Residents woke up on the eve of Christmas to witness scenes that many described as having not been seen over several decades.

In Loubiere and Pointe Mitchel ravines swelled and crested over their banks flooding several homes and streets and bringing a halt to vehicular traffic in those areas.

In other areas on the island, electricity and water services were interrupted leaving many residents without those vital services as night approached.

Even as the rain continued authorities reported that all residents were accounted for and there were no injuries.

Meanwhile, communications minister Rayburn Blackmore blamed problems with land use development for some of the damage seen in the wake of the storm.

The Roseau river overflowed its banks threathening homes in its path.