EDITORIAL: Prepare for hazardous weather

 

THE dry conditions are an inconvenience to many householders and farmers. With less rainfall on the island, it means reservoirs are increasingly put under pressure, leading to water shortages or outages. However, based on forecasters’ data, we are told that higher amounts of rainfall are expected in the latter stages of 2016. We must, therefore, be adequately prepared to deal with the expected deluge if it appears.
 
Dry conditions have been a headache in the Caribbean for at least a year (in some cases for two years), but forecasters have noted that this will soon be alleviated. It has been predicted that from around the end of this month and moving into the traditional rainy season, more consistent rainfall is to return. This is especially true as La Niña is forecast to develop during 2016.
 
What that means, if the predictions are accurate, is that the rains will come back; however, they may come back with a vengeance and bring along an increased likelihood of hurricane activity. In February during a press conference held by the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), officials were at pains to warn against this potential development. More rainfall might sound like a relief now, especially if reservoirs are once again full and farmers are happy. However, the reality can be far more catastrophic if we don’t adequately plan ahead.
 
The threat of flooding, in particular, is one we must take seriously in the region. 2013’s fatal Christmas Eve floods in St. Vincent are a recent reminder of the power of too much rain in a short space of time. In Barbados we have had our issues over the years with flooding, including having to close schools or other institutions and experiencing heavy damage as a result.
 
One very large and topical issue we must consider is garbage. It is no secret that some Barbadians are infinitely uncaring of their surroundings. And the recent fines of persons caught illegally dumping suggest Government is finally clamping down on the matter in a more serious way. Yet, that fails to address the often wild bits of refuse blowing about on a daily basis in places like schools or recreational areas. A general clean-up of all areas, especially those that are prone to flooding, is required. 
 
In addition, the public must be reminded of the various tips for dealing with bad weather. Despite efforts over the years by state officials, it seems the average person still is not aware of just how dangerous flooding can be. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s website is an excellent resource from which to learn about all disasters faced by the Caribbean, especially during the hurricane season. 
 
Only God knows what will happen, and at best, there may be no severe rainfall. At the very least however, as was suggested at the press conference, it pays to follow the updates from CIMH each month, especially given the fact that at the end of May, the agency is set to release an outlook for the rest of the year.

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000