Six days after a freak storm caused havoc in Gasparillo, the Bonne Aventure Presbyterian Primary School is still partially closed and residents are still trying to piece their lives back together.
Some 21 homes were damaged, one of which was totally destroyed, by strong winds which was accompanied by torrential rainfall last week Wednesday.
Some of the areas affected were Caratal Road, Jahoor Ramjohn Ave, Alladin Trace, Perry Trace, Light Borne Road, Cotton Hill Road and Cocoa Piece Road.
Looking at the crumbled wooden structure which was once his home, Sharzam Mohammed, 58, said he is reminded every time he looks at the structure that he and his wife were lucky to be alive.
They were next door by a neighbour’s house helping them prepare for a birthday party when the incident occurred.
He looked on helplessly as his roof and other materials from his house were ripped off and flung through the air.
Fortunately, Mohammed and his wife were able to move into a concrete house he had been building for the past two years next to his home.
“It is not completely fishing, but thank God we have somewhere to say,” he said.
It is not yet outfitted with electricity or running water. He is asking for assistance to break down the damaged house which could collapse at any time.
His next door neighbour Hema Sahadeo’s house, was not spared either.
The winds tore off an area of her gallery, the roof as well as a few sheets of galvanise over her house.
Like Mohammed, Sahadeo said they are still traumatised.
“Every time a strong breeze blow we get frighten now. We just patch up the roof for the time being,” she said.
However, she is afraid that the shed covering her yard could collapse because the integrity has weakened.
They said officials brought a form which they filled out for a government grant, but they are not sure when they will receive them.
She said classes have not yet resumed at the Bonne Aventure Presbyterian School where her six- year- old attends.
The roof area in the school’s toilet area was damaged.
A ministry official said repairs were expected to commence later this week. However, the official said arrangements were made for the Standard Five pupils to resume classes at the school yesterday.