Bridgetown, Barbados, September 24, 2024 -The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Regional Coordination Plan was activated at 7:45 p.m. on Monday, September 23rd, 2024, in accordance with established emergency protocols.
This was prompted by the formation of a Potential Tropical Cyclone, which the National Hurricane Centre has since upgraded to Tropical Storm Helene, located west of Grand Cayman and moving Northeasterly.
There were reports of flooding on Grand Cayman related to the cyclone; however, no significant damage was reported, and no requests for assistance were received from the Participating State at this time. However, the government has closed clinics, airports, schools, and businesses. The Tropical Storm Warning for the island was discontinued as of 1:00 PM (AST) (12 noon Cayman Time) today, and damage assessments are ongoing.
There were also reports of some rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Helene affecting Belize and Jamaica, but no reports of any impact were received.
CDEMA initiated several preparedness actions, including convening the Caribbean Development Partners Group (CDPG) Meeting today, Tuesday, 24th September 2024, at one (1) PM, co-chaired by CDEMA’s Deputy Executive Director, Lt. Col. Kester Craig, and the UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica with responsibility for the Cayman Islands, Mr. Dennis Zulu.
Additionally, all the Regional Response Mechanism Team, the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU), CARICOM Operational Support Team (COST), Rapid Needs Assessment Team (RNAT), CARICOM Damage Assessment and Coordination (CDAC), and the Regional Search and Rescue Team (RSART), have been placed on alert. CDEMA has also established communications and remains in contact with the Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) and the Sub-regional Focal Point located in Jamaica, Office of Preparedness and Disaster Management (ODPEM).
The CDEMA Coordinating Unit continues to provide updates to Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, CARICOM Secretary General, and Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and current Chair of CDEMA.
Partner agencies have advised that they continue to monitor the system and are ready to provide the required support.
For further information, please contact:
Keith Goddard
Communications and Public Relations Specialist
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA) Suite #3, Building #1, Manor Lodge Complex, Lodge Hill, St. Michael Barbados Email: