Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao may be hit by a tropical storm on Wednesday evening. Curaçao Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas called on the population on Tuesday to bring enough water and food into their homes.
He also urged retailers not to abuse the storm warning (code red) issued earlier in the day.
Curaçao, like Aruba and Bonaire, is preparing for the arrival of a tropical storm that can hit the islands in the night from Wednesday to Thursday.
All government services of Curaçao are closed all day on Wednesday and from 4 p.m. there is a curfew and everyone has to stay at home. Non-essential businesses must close by 3:00 PM.
The storm is over the Atlantic Ocean. Once the strength continues to increase and the storm turns into a tropical storm, it will be renamed Bonnie.
The last time a tropical storm hit this area in June was in 1933.
‘A lot of rottenness’, but probably not a hurricane
According to Weather Plaza is still a clumped area of heavy thunderstorms. “If they start spinning together, they create an eye and a storm is created,” meteorologist Raymond Klaassen told NU.nl.
According to Klaassen, it is expected that this will happen in the next 24 hours. “Then the situation will probably grow above the ABC islands into a tropical storm, with heavy wind gusts and a lot of rain. That will cause a lot of rot.”
Klaassen emphasizes that it is unlikely that the storm will develop into a hurricane above the islands. “That could happen if he moves past the archipelago.”
Pisas to shopkeepers: ‘Don’t raise prices’
The people of the ABC islands have been urged to get enough water and non-perishable food into their homes. People also need to get their homes and gardens in order to be prepared for heavy rainfall and strong gusts of wind.
Pisas asked the shopkeepers not to suddenly increase prices and thus take advantage of the situation. He also advises people to do their shopping in their own neighbourhood, so that everyone can do their shopping.
The Prime Minister said on Tuesday afternoon that Curaçao is still dealing with the consequences of the corona pandemic and the war in Ukraine. “Many people have financial problems and it is difficult for them to buy extra food and drink.”
He stressed that there is still a chance that the storm will deflect and not hit the islands. Pisas: “Let’s hope so.”
Aruba is also taking measures
The government of Aruba will send all officials home on Wednesday afternoon. They are free until Thursday. Schools remain closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
On the three islands, hospitals are being prepared and non-emergency operations and appointments are being postponed.