Gus
While I wouldn't say that we here on Cayman are on pins and needles waiting to see how Gustav plays out, there is a certain apprehension abound. The big question is whether we evacuate and while most stay here on the island, some companies with offices in other parts of the world (mostly in America) tend to evacuate their employees to work in those locations, so business can run smoothly without any interruption. I've heard that prior to Hurricane Ivan (2004) hitting, most people pooh poohed the idea of evacuating not know that the wrath that Ivan was about to unleash would be the worst hurricane damage this island had yet to see. Ivan was devastating and so much so that four years later, I still see remnants of Ivan around the island. Houses that were literally demolished to the ground, where all you can see is the tile flooring, is one such evidence that lays scattered sporadically around these parts. Ivan was also a hurricane that changed its mind and course at the last possible moment, making a bee line for Grand Cayman, instead of originally hitting Cayman Brac & Little Cayman. It was from Ivan that was learnt how unpredictable a hurricane can really be.
For now, Gustav has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm and I hope it stays that way. Maybe I'll shorten its name to Gus, in light of its temporary deflation. It's at times like these I wish I had a crystal ball. For now we are glued to the Internet, to the tube, to the radio to hear how it will develop. It's much like watching out for a winter blizzard storm in Toronto, where all anyone can talk about is the weather and the impending blow that's going to hit us. Here in Cayman, my thoughts always move to the fish underwater. Do they know a storm's a coming?
3 comments:
I think that the concept of 'evacuation' is a relative one, for I must say, locals took Ivan very seriously, and we were prepared as much as we could. But, I feel that we were prepared for wind, and did not expect the storm surges that came.
That being said, as it is home, and theire is a need to secure kin and property (eg, I cannot evacuate without my mother, father and 5 brothers and sisters), I think that we chose to stay home and to battle it out. Companies ussually send 'key' employees to overseas sites, to man the trenches until all is in order.
But, Ivan was a lesson learned, and I must say, as I see the efforts to prepare, I am proud that the lesson was well taken, as well as apprehensive about Stinkin' Gustav!
I wouldn't leave. But I'd recommend a person leaving if they can. The storm passes, but the damage remains for a long time after that. Ivan lasted for months and months.
It's a whole different ballgame today than yesterday. I just hope it's not too bad.
I would be freaking out. I don't even know why, but I have a real fear of hurricanes and the damage that they can do. Be careful and stay safe my friend!!
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