Earthquake preparedness must be a focus for the region

Earthquake preparedness must become a focal point for the region going forward.

Director of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Centre Dr Joan Latchman raised some concerns on the level of preparedness of countries on a whole to the phenomenon, stating that these were often seen as “nine day wonders” due to the fact that while past earthquakes raised some flags, as time passes without another event, persons once again adopted the stance ‘we don’t get earthquakes in Barbados’.

She stressed that it was critical for region to understand that while the Caribbean was seeing a range of earthquakes in terms of intensity, it was overdue for a large earthquake since the last major one had occurred well over a century ago in 1843.

On a recent visit to Barbados, Latchman pointed out that the various island states should therefore be using this period in the interim to ensure that when earthquakes struck, damage and deaths could be kept at a minimum.

“We are being given a lot of time to prepare for when this event occurs,” she said, insisting that the damage would be devastating if the measures were not in place.

“And so it is very important that the authorities, our planners, our governments recognize that this hazard is very real and we have to recognize the risk,” the expert continued.

She underlined therefore that the various territories building code must be up to scratch, noting that the research centre was hard at work giving assistance in this area.