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Executive Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson.

CDEMA Head suggests hurricane preparedness may need to be year-round

 

EXECUTIVE Director of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), Ronald Jackson believes that with the new climate reality facing the region, hurricane preparedness may soon be a year-round exercise.
 
His comments came during a press conference on the forecast and the region’s preparations for the 2016 hurricane season.
 
During the live event which was seen across the region, Jackson drew reference to the 2015 below average forecast, which was realised. However, he noted the level of losses seen in countries like the Bahamas and Dominica were a reminder that it only takes one major weather event to cause significant damage in the Caribbean; which could put a significant dent in the efforts of prosperity being sought by Member States.
 
Pointing to the 2016 prediction of ten to 16 named storms, 4-8 of which will become hurricanes and 1-4 major hurricanes, the Executive Director pointed to the fact that already two of them have been seen this year, outside of the traditional hurricane period. 
 
“This is not new. We have seen events happening outside of the hurricane season. This is the first time seeing in January and May. It gives us a sense of what we are dealing with as we consider this new climate reality... The idea of preparedness and readiness must go before a June 1 start. We recognise that within this new reality, our strengthening of our operational readiness has to be seen as a 365 day activity.”
 
He also issued a caution that coming out of a severe dry period moving in to the rainy season, there is a high possibility that there will be localised flood events. 
Jackson reminded Caribbean residents that besides the prolonged periods of drought which lead to water rationing in some areas, there has been flooding in Guyana, wind storms in Suriname, sporadic seismic activity and the Zika virus is still a concern. He said these threats serve as a reminder of the vulnerability of the Caribbean 18 Members States, 12 of which have submitted reports on their National Response Apparatus. (JH)

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