Debris washed out the gulches by a storm blocked the road to the Potato Patches

Main Road blocked by May 2006 storm

Tristan da Cunha's main road, connecting The Settlement to the Potato Patches was blocked by flood debris brought down Big Sandy Gulch by a thunderstorm on the night of 15th-16th May 2006. This photograph was taken by Postmaster Ian Lavarello looking towards the pass between Hillpiece and the mountain cliffs, known as 'The Valley'. Tristan's gulches are normally dry as rain infiltrates soil and sinks into the porous ash soils, but surface run-off occurs during heavy storms and can often cause sudden floods which carry debris including lava boulders which cascade down the sheer mountain slopes and spill out onto the plains. Repairing the Patches road is a frequent job for Tristan's workforce.

Repairs underway

Tristan's Transport Department were busy for several days removing debris from the main road, particularly at Hottentot Gulch and Big Sandy Gulch. Photographs below show work in progress on 18th May.