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Castries, Saint Lucia, November 12th, 2019 (CDEMA) – Over the last 15 years in the Caribbean, there have been observed improvements in early warning systems (EWS). However, one area requiring improvement is the governance framework including a national multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS) policy. To this end, a draft model national multi-hazard early warning systems policy and adaptation guide was developed and is being validated at a workshop in Saint Lucia on November 12, 2019.

The National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in Saint Lucia through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Liberty FM 92.3, has broadened its hazard warning and dissemination capabilities nationally and locally in the south of the island for all hazards. This has been achieved through the installation of a new multi-hazard voice interrupt system. The voice interrupt system will allow NEMO to interrupt regular programming at the radio station to provide critical life-saving alerts to the public in the event of an impending hazard impact. The system is expected to contribute to community, national and regional efforts towards protecting lives and livelihoods through early warning. The fully functional system was tested during a tabletop exercise on 20 September, 2019 involving NEMO and the radio station. As part of the initiative, community and business persons as the primary beneficiaries were engaged in consultations to raise awareness on the new addition to warning dissemination tools in Soufriere.

Students, staff and supporters of the St. Winifred’s School in Pine Hill, St. Michael Barbados donate a cheque in the sum of BDS $5000.00 towards the ongoing relief and reconstruction efforts in the impacted islands of The Bahamas. The cheque was presented by students Hayley Croney and Aerin Hill to Ronald Jackson, Executive Director, CDEMA during general assembly at the school on Monday October 14, 2019. Both students were applauded for their initiative and kind contribution in designing custom bracelets, which were sold to the school community in efforts to raise funds for those impacted by Major Hurricane Dorian in The Bahamas.

CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (CDEMA) ACTIONS (as at September 27, 2019)

  • The CDEMA Team Lead continues to provide coordination support to the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Nassau. The Team Lead is providing advice to the various Emergency Support Functions (ESF) and to the NEOC Directors and will re-deployed (returned to home base) on October 5, 2019.
  • CDEMA has partnered with the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide logistical support with the ongoing relief management operations in The Bahamas. CDEMA's two (2) Logisticians are currently working with the WFP to manage incoming relief, temporary warehouse storage and distribution of items to the impacted population. They will be joined next week (September 30 to October 5, 2019) by an additional four (4) Logisticians from the CDEMA Sub-regional Focal Points (SRFPs) of Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as part of a training programme aimed at building the capacity and experience of regional logisticians in relief management.

SUMMARY OF UPDATES

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS: DEPARTMENT OF DISASTER MANAGEMENT

  • The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) was deactivated on Wednesday 25 September 2019 at 0500 hours.
  • The NEOC’s reconnaissance and reports received from heads of essential services and critical public service providers, have confirmed little to no damage to the Territory and as such it is within our capacity to address the minor impacts.
  • Water and Power – Electricity was restored with minimal impact to a few communities; there was no disruption to the water supply.
  • Telecommunications – Telecom providers continued to provide service without interruption.
  • Road Networks – The entire main road network was cleared, making all roads accessible; minor damages have been addressed.
  • Debris Management – No special arrangements are required at this time.
  • Health/Medical – No surge in injuries or persons seeking medical assistance were observed.
  • Airports – Resumed normal operations on Wednesday 25th September 2019.
  • Airport & Sea Ports – Resumed international flights at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and domestic ferry transport between the islands. Resumption of additional international service will depend on the reopening of the ports in the US Virgin Islands.
  • Schools – Schools have been reopened on Wednesday 25 September since there were no reported damages.
  • Private Sector – resumed operations on Wednesday 25 September 2019 as per usual. No damages were reported in this sector.

For full situation report please click here.

Lidra Remacka, regional consultant on Education in Emergencies for UNICEF shares key messaging on the importance of a participatory approach that includes children in the policy development process. She delivered remarks at the training on the Model Safe School Programme Toolkit and National Safe School Policy Consultation.

Danielle Nembhard, Project Manager with Environmental Solutions Limited, the consulting firm selected to deliver training on the Model Safe School Programme Toolkit, engages representatives from the education and planning sector during the training at the Public Service Union Conference Room in Roseau Dominica.

SITUATION

Major Hurricane Dorian, the fourth named storm of the 2019 Atlantic Hurricane Season, impacted the Northern islands of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas from Sunday September 1 to Tuesday September 3, 2019 for approximately 68 hours. Hurricane Dorian devastated Abaco, Grand Bahama and the surrounding Cays, with the southern eye-wall remaining “stationary” for approximately 36 hours over Grand Bahama. At the peak of strength, sustained winds increased to 185 mph and gusts up to 220 mph. The estimated rainfall was 12-15 inches and storm surge, 18-23 feet above sea level.

For full situation report please click here.

  1. CDEMA Situation Report #1 - Tropical Depression Karen as of 5:00PM (AST) on September 23rd, 2019
  2. CDEMA Information Note #1 - Tropical Storm Karen as of 2:00PM (AST) on September 22nd, 2019
  3. CDEMA Situation Report #16 - Major Hurricane Dorian as of 5:00PM (AST) on September 21st, 2019
  4. CDEMA Information Note #2 - Tropical Storm Jerry as of 5:00PM (AST) on September 21st, 2019
CDEMA Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Resilience Way, Lower Estate, St. Michael Tel: (246) 434-4880, Fax: (246) 271-3660
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