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by pltm
(PLTM) - Commandos from the United Kingdom (UK) have joined with residents, in preparation for another dangerous storm, Hurricane Maria.
Lieutenant Colonel Paul Maynard, the officer in charge of the effort on the ground in the BVI, said his men and women are prepared to ride out the storm with locals.
"We are not going anywhere...It would be immoral and the wrong thing to do to leave these people to face this tragedy without us."
Brigadier John Ridge, Deputy Commander of the joint task force shared, "Once the hurricane is through we can leap back into action - we've got the guys positioned in the right place so they are ready to react."
According to the Royal Navy, the commandos have been helping to prepare the islands' defenses, clearing drains to prevent flash flooding, moving helicopters and aircraft away from the danger zone, shoring up power and water pumping stations and making sure the airport - the BVI's vital link with the outside world, not least the hub of the British relief effort in Barbados - is as secure as possible.
Another key location which has been secured is the police station in Road Town on Tortola, which has acted as the command centre for the military operation in the islands.
A team of assault engineers led by Colour Sergeant John Dixon has strengthened doors and fixed the roof.
"Ensuring the headquarters can function after the storm is crucial," said the senior NCO. "My team is fit for purpose to do this."
According to the Royal Navy, equally important has been ensuring locals have the food and water supplies they need to ride out Maria.
Royal Marines joined members of the British Red Cross in getting shelter packs, water, tinned food, cereal, toiletries and baby care handed out to as many locals as possible before a pre-storm curfew came into force.
"Each day presents us with new challenges," said Marine Louis McKenna. "It's really important we get this distributed before nightfall and get the message out about the next storm."
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