One person was found dead in a vehicle and several had to be rescued today after heavy rainfall led to massive flooding in Guadeloupe.
The French Caribbean Island is under a red alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms.
The Prefecture de Guadeloupe says from 1 am heavy rainfall hit Pointe-à-Pitre, the Abymes and the Gosier. Rainfall has exceeded 300 millimetres, a phenomenon higher than that recorded during Cyclone Maria.
The axes of the Pointa area are flooded and landslides are reported in the Grand Fonds. The rains have also resulted in power outages and difficulties in water distribution.
The Fire and Rescue services have been engaged since the weather started and 30 people were able to be rescued. One person was found dead in their vehicle.
The Prefecture says the police and gendarmerie are mobilised to ensure safety and recognise routes. Emergency teams from EDF and Routes de Guadeloupe are working on the ground to restore the situation as quickly as possible.
Looking at the situation, the public has been requested not to move in the pointy area and not to hike in the mountainous area. Travel must remain limited to the rest of Guadeloupe.
The prefect will fly over the flooded areas to estimate the consequences of these flooding.
He will as soon as possible bring together the elected officials of Cap Excellence, the Department and the Region, as well as the mayors of Pointe-à-Pitre, Gosier and the Abymes, to assess the damage and swift action.
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