Hurricane Elsa, the first hurricane of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, has etched a lasting scar on the Barbadian landscape. This severe weather system, like a collapsed galvanised fence, has exposed the island’s vulnerability to violent storms and hurricanes.

Elsa was different

Hurricane Elsa broke Barbados’ long-standing record of near-misses and slight encounters with Atlantic weather systems. It has been 65 years since Hurricane Janet came to our shores devastating thousands of Barbadians.

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) tracked a tropical wave (soon to become Hurricane Elsa) on June 29. By July 2 it had rapidly intensified despite some international meteorologists predicting it would be weakened due to dry air in the area. This storm became the earliest fifth named Atlantic storm in history. Hurricane Elsa slammed into the island with a wind of 74 mph (119 km/h) and a gust to 86 mph. It had a speed of 29 mph, again making history as one of the fastest forming easterly storms since 1908. Despite 24 hours to prepare, the system caught many people off guard as it hit Barbados directly.

High winds damaged homes

Local media reports stated that just under 2000 Barbadian homes were damaged during the hurricane but this number is probably much higher. Overpopulation and unregulated construction of homes using materials that are not hurricane resistant mean that more people are at risk of losing their property during this season. The reliance on galvanised fencing, high incidence of illegal dumping, overgrown bush, trees and accumulation of metal scraps, homes with poorly fitted, glass windows or louvres and unstrapped roofs are critical problems for Barbadians.

A picture is worth a thousand words. The homes that were severely affected in the media were the ones that were built many years ago and the roofs needed repair or upgrading.

Properties built in disaster zones

Recently, American researchers found that 1.5 million buildings in the USA are in hotspots that are prone to natural disasters. It was also found that the people in the area are most vulnerable, likely to lose their jobs and not have the resources to recover. In Barbados, many homes and businesses along the coast. Bridgetown, the island’s capital and the St. Michael areas that are densely populated are also at risk. Many people who are desperate for a place to call home are building in natural waterways and constructing homes in spaces where there are incidents of land slippage or soil erosion. Barbadians must stop repeating the mistakes of the past.

Reevaluating building codes and disaster preparedness

For the most vulnerable, the government must assist those with homes that are not up to standard. If it does not, these individuals will still need shelter, employment and access to food to get back on their feet. For those with newly built homes, policymakers must ensure that there is affordable insurance that protects people from hurricanes and other natural disasters. Communication before and after the disaster event is also critical. Other elements that must be addressed are the disruption of utility services and people leaving home before the all-clear is given. Hurricane-force winds will not stop lawlessness or recklessness even though people were aware of the danger. People were walking and driving around during the passing of Hurricane Elsa. Meanwhile, many services were disrupted. Electricity is essential to appliances, some are life-saving. It is essential to phone lines and the Internet, this is needed to check on loved ones and friends. Electricity is also critical to creating safety on the roads and in and around people's homes.

An uprooted tree across a dark road could result in anaccident for a cyclist or motorist. A non-functioning street lamp will hinder homeowners from seeing if anyone is trying to break into their property.

Barbados must also find a way to stay connected during these tumultuous times. Fortunately, no lives were lost during Hurricane Elsa but what about the next system? What can we do now to ensure that we are better prepared?