PARAMARIBO, Suriname — For the second time within days, residential areas in Suriname’s capital Paramaribo were hit on Monday by tornado-like winds, causing severe damage to homes, cars and power lines, while trees were uprooted. No casualties were reported but a woman sustained a fractured leg when she was knocked down by a falling tree and admitted to hospital.

The windshield of this car was smashed by flying debris during Monday’s tornado (Photo by Hennah Draaibaar)

President Ronald Venetiaan and several cabinet ministers toured the area on Tuesday afternoon to assess the situation and offer moral support to affected residents, while the National Coordinator Center for Disaster Management (NCCR) started repair activities.

While areas like Zorg en Hoop, Meerzorg and Land van Dijk were hit on Monday evening, on December 27 last year numerous homes in the Flora neighborhood were severely damaged. Rooftops were blown away while several cars were damaged and trees knocked down.

Speaking to reporters, the president noted that he wanted to observe the situation first-hand and to see what assistance the government could provide for the victims. The head of state argued that, while home owners are responsible in the first place for repairs, his administration will look into every possible modality to assist those who can’t bear the costs.

Although there seems to be a pattern in powerful winds and persistent heavy rain showers recently, Venetiaan said it is too early to link these incidents to climate change. Thorough scientific study has to be done regarding this matter, he told reporters. But member of parliament Jenny Geerlings-Simons maintained that, since weather patterns and climate incidents in Suriname have changed over the last 20 years, all incidents should be documented properly. An institution should be established to document these matters, including the financing of reconstruction efforts.

According to President Venetiaan, authorities need to look into means of assisting people affected by calamities. He suggested that maybe in several areas taxes should be increased in order to establish a natural disaster emergency fund.

Meteorologist Roel Oehlers warned that Suriname should be prepared for more of such small tornados in the future. Over the past several years Suriname has been hit by massive flooding and heavy winds causing severe damage to crops, buildings and infrastructure.