While life may be slowly returning to normal for some, it may be some time yet before the residents on the northern tip of the island may be able to do likewise.{{more}}

This as Hurricane Tomas wreaked havoc on the northernmost sections of the island, so much so that Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, in an address to the nation Sunday, October 31, declared the areas extending from Park Hill to Owia on the Windward and Belle Isle to Fitz Hughes on the Leeward side, disaster areas.

Landslides, fallen trees, utility poles and debris from homes damaged by high winds, blocked or lined the roads along the Windward coast.

According to the Prime Minister, there were 1,194 persons being housed in the various emergency shelters across the country.

Park Hill, South Rivers and Chester Cottage were some of the interior regions that recorded damage.

However communities along the northeastern coast of the country, including Langley Park, Orange Hill, Overland, Sandy Bay and Owia, got the full brunt of the system.

The impact of the storm left many seeking shelter.

The Sandy Bay Government School and the Langley Park Government School were the busiest emergency shelters in the nation with 300 and 120 persons respectively.

Emergency shelters in Owia (30), Georgetown (20), Chester Cottage (overcrowded with 40), Park Hill (over 20), Byera (over 40) and Colonarie (40) were also utilized, as persons in the mentioned communities were forced to leave their homes.

The number of displaced persons on the Leeward side of the island did not reach that of those on the eastern part of the island.

Emergency shelters in Fitz Hughes recorded the majority with some 40 persons, followed by Rose Hall with 35; shelters in Chateaubelair (24), Troumaca (10), Barrouallie (11), Layou (22), Buccament (23), Questelles (23), Penniston (20) were the others to have recorded some significant numbers. (DD)