Turks and Caicos Islands

power outages and blocked road access for a short period, but the utilities and other major infrastructure
remained intact. Residents reverted to using traditional methods for food preparation (e.g. coal stoves)
after the hurricane when no electricity or gas was available. Comparing the impacts on Providenciales to
those on neighbouring islands, there were very different experiences in Grand Turk and South Caicos,
where many houses suffered extreme damage, but to a lesser degree in the latter. North Caicos however,
much like Providenciales, suffered relatively little physical impact.
It is the norm that with the expected passage of a hurricane, all tourism centres are closed, and tourists are
usually evacuated from the island. If accommodation facilities are damaged, they may remain closed until
repairs have been completed. Undamaged properties may still suffer from a lack of power or water for
some time, and as a result, may remain closed. Employees may be out of work temporarily until normal
functions resume. In the two weeks after Hurricane Ike, an estimated 80% of the hotels on Providenciales
remained closed. This resulted in losses of approximately $2,000,000 in revenue (ECLAC, 2008).
Most of the hotels in Grand Turk, in particular, experienced extensive roof damage or complete loss of
roofs which resulted in damage to equipment and furnishings. In addition, Hurricane Ike was particularly
harmful to trees and other forms of vegetation. Based on the level of damage experienced by the hotels, a
majority of proprietors anticipated being out of business for between 8-12 weeks. In some cases though,
hotels began operating on reduced capacity (ECLAC, 2008).
Most large employers would continue to pay their staff despite the temporary closure, so financially; these
persons are less adversely affected. However, smaller operators and self-employed persons (e.g. vendors)
lose income each day that they are unable to work, whether due to their own circumstances (e.g. damaged
assets), lack of access or utilities, or lack of customers. The latter can especially undermine any incomemaking
efforts, in cases where the majority of the clientele are tourists, and tourist flows can shrink
considerably for an extended period of time following a hurricane.
After the experiences with Ike and Hanna, there is a greater awareness of how to prepare for tropical
storms and hurricanes. The building code was adjusted and further enforced after these events to ensure
that new buildings were capable of withstanding hurricane force winds and impacts, and by large measure
to reduce the vulnerability (and losses) to individuals and businesses.
With regards to flooding impacts, Lower Bight experienced some flooding in November of 2008 and in
summer of 2005 (two events in 2005). The community sits on a hill above the coast, but the coastal road
(Lower Bight Road) is the main access road, which can be cut off during a flood. Experiences vary and
depend on one’s respective location within the community. Some residents suggest that floodwaters tend
to recede quickly, whereas other residents, especially in developed or cemented areas; report that water
tends to pond (e.g. on the road). Flooding may result in minor damage to persons living in the community,
but presents more of an issue for access and transportation, as residents may not be able to commute as
desired until waters have receded.
Storm surge impacts vary depending on the intensity of the passing weather system. Light to moderate
storm surge events will cause major beach erosion and affect hotel properties and facilities that are
situated on the beach. However, more extreme storm surge events can cause coastal inundation and more
extensive damage to coastal infrastructure. Small craft (yachts, diveboats, fishing boats) docking along the
coast (e.g. in Turtle Cove Marina, though not in Lower Bight proper) are extremely vulnerable to storm
surge impacts, and can be severely damaged during hurricanes despite heavy anchoring.
Another important sector of employment for Lower Bight residents is construction. This sector consists
mainly of men, working as self employed masons and carpenters, or employed with a larger construction
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