[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 17521]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS ARE FLOODED

  (Mrs. CHRISTENSEN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, the national media ignored it, so I 
want the Nation to know of the devastating floods that occurred in the 
U.S. Virgin Islands in the last few weeks. First there were the 
dangerous mudslides, caused by Earl and Otto, that trapped residents 
and undermined the foundations of homes in St. John. But even worse 
were last week's rains, remnants of Tomas which caused unprecedented 
flooding that overcame bridges and storm drainage systems in a matter 
of hours, shutting down roads, washing away vehicles, stranding 
residents, flooding offices, schools and homes, and devastating the 
historic west end of St. Croix.
  Police and rescue personnel risked their own lives assisting those 
trapped in homes and stranded on flooded roadways. The floods claimed 
the life of one St. Croix woman, Ms. Rita Stinson. Our heartfelt 
condolences are extended to her family and many friends. Thank you to 
our police, rescue, the Coast Guard, and all who assisted in the search 
for Rita, the rescue of our residents, and emergency cleanup.
  Today damage assessments begin, but we need a disaster declaration 
because the cost of repairs and mitigation will be in the millions. 
Colleagues, as I ask you to join in prayers for Ms. Stinson and those 
who lost homes and property, I ask for your support to repair the 
damage and meet the needs of my community in the wake of this disaster.

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