Flow records increased faults following ‘freak storm’

Barbados’ leading telecommunications provider has reported an increase in the number of faults recorded since last week’s ‘freak storm’.

The severe weather, which struck in the wee hours last Thursday, caused significant damage across the island with at least six houses completely losing roofs, in addition to downed power lines and trees making many roads impassable.

Between June 17 and June 19, Flow received 1 345 reports from customers who were without landline, television or broadband services.

“Over the weekend we ramped up our technical resources but there are still some customers who are without services due to damaged lines and poles, in addition to other damage that we are discovering at some individual residences,” said Marilyn Sealy, Senior Manager, Communications, Flow.

Almost half of the faults logged have been cleared with 634 customers reconnected as of June 21st.

“At this time we are treating these reconnections as a priority, however, in many instances we are also constrained as other service providers need to complete their work before we can start. Still, we have already started to assist customers with having the necessary repair work completed on their homes and buildings in the interest of expediency.”

Flow also asked customers for their understanding over the coming days, with the company aiming to resolve fixable faults within 48 hours of receiving the initial report.

“We know this is not an ideal situation for these customers, especially with people working from home and online classes for students, however, we are moving with haste and we hope to have them reconnected as soon as possible,” she said.

“In the meantime, we ask all impacted customers for their patience and understanding as we work together with our utility stakeholders to restore full connectivity in the shortest possible time.”