13 die as storms pummel US east coast

Millions across the mid-Atlantic region sweltered yesterday in the aftermath of violent storms that pummelled the eastern US. The storms brought high winds, downed trees, killed at least 13 people and left three million without power during a severe heat wave. Restoring power in some areas could take up to a week. Utilities in Ohio and Virginia described the damage as catastrophic.

In some Virginia suburbs of Washington, emergency 911 call centres were out of service; residents were told to call local police and fire departments. Huge trees fell across streets in Washington, leaving cars crunched up next to them. Cell phone and Internet service was spotty, gas stations shut down and residents were urged to conserve water until sewerage plants returned to power.

Governor Bob McDonnell said the state had its largest non-hurricane outage in history, as more storms threatened. “This is a very dangerous situation,” the governor said. Ambassador to USA and Mexico Dr Neil Parsan in an interview with CNC 3 said there were no reported deaths of Caribbean nationals living in the areas where the storm struck. Parsan said all Trinidadians living in Washington DC are safe and accounted for. “In fact tonight (Saturday) I will be meeting with the diaspora community.”