House loses roof in Alderney

Friday 03 November 2023

Emergency work has been carried out to a dangerous roof on QEII Street in Alderney as the island continues to clear up following Storm Ciaran.

The States of Alderney said that damage across the island was "limited in its scope" with "no significant injuries" reported, but at least one house suffered severe damage to its roof.

Elsewhere properties, boats and trees were damaged with the States Works team being praised for working "tirelessly in the immediate aftermath of the storm, clearing trees and setting up road blocks where needed".

The States of Alderney said the team "also took action to limit damage to several buildings and assess the extent of repairs to be carried out in the clean up to follow".

The States of Alderney said it was "thanks in part to the collective response of islanders" with "the majority of people taking the advice of authorities and remaining indoors" that the island escaped more serious damage and harm.

The early planning as the storm was forecast was co-ordinated by the Alderney Operations Group with the emergency Services, health providers and States services all working together with support from Guernsey's authorities and emergency services.

St John Ambulance and Rescue Service sent an extra Paramedic Officer over from Guernsey so there was that additional resource while the island was cut off from Guernsey and the UK.

As the storm was declared a major incident, the Bailiwick was also able to call upon mutual aid from the UK, including military support should it have proved necessary.

Lin Maurice, the Chair of Alderney's General Services Committee said fortunately, that was not needed.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the emergency services, States of Alderney government services, health providers and volunteers on behalf of the island of Alderney for your hard work over the last few days," she said. "We are indebted to you for your unstinting dedication to the island’s community.

“I should also like to pass on my thanks to the community for staying indoors when it was undoubtedly tempting to see the results of the storm. We must us also offer our thoughts to, residents across the Islands who are facing significant challenges as a result of damage to properties.”

All States departments were open as normal on Friday 3 November with the Import and Recycling Centre open to members of the public, but with further high winds and heavy rain forecast over the next few days everyone is asked to be mindful of the conditions with already weakened structures and trees still vulnerable after the storm.