Despite several hours of torrential rain and gusty winds associated with the passing of Tropical Storm Matthew, Barbados’ leading telecommunications provider is reporting that its networks, systems and infrastructure are intact, and that broadband and mobile connectivity across Barbados remains steady and unbroken.

According to Marilyn Sealy, Director of Communications and Stakeholder Engagement, Flow Barbados, the company recorded only a few reports of faults, however full connectivity was restored without delay.

“We convened our Local Crisis Management Team on Tuesday morning and every effort was made to ensure that impact to our customers would be minimal, if any at all,” she said.

Sealy gave the report early yesterday morning as members of Flow’s communications and marketing teams joined Starcom Network’s Road Runner and the Roving Response Team to distribute umbrellas and other essentials to storm-affected communities in St. Michael, St. George, St. Philip, St. John and Christ Church.

During the passing of Tropical Storm Matthew, some parts of Barbados experienced moderate flooding, while the Department of Emergency Management reported seven fallen utility poles and four reports of damage to houses in Belleville, Friendship, Brittons Hill in St. Michael and Moncrieffe in St. Philip.

“During the past forty eight hours, our engineers, technicians and members from our damage assessment teams were all on standby, and I am happy to report that our networks, both broadband and mobile, stood up to the test and proved their reliability,” she said.

“We have also been working closely with the Barbados Light & Power, not only about the provision of electricity, which is critical to maintaining optimal levels of connectivity, but also about effectively and safely managing our mutual assets across the island.”

Sealy also urged the public to report any damage to Flow infrastructure, equipment or cables.

“On behalf of the entire Flow team, I would like to tip my hat to the DEM, the BL&P, the Barbados Meteorological Service and all first responders who ensured that Barbados weathered this storm and quickly returned to a state of normalcy.”