Get serious!

Tsunami. Run!

 

These were the words that could be heard coming from a Department of Emergency Management (DEM) vehicle, triggering a tsunami drill for residents of Shermans, St. Lucy and surrounding areas yesterday afternoon.

 

The community tsunami evacuation drill, which was hosted by the DEM, was held in commemoration of the inaugural World Tsunami Awareness Day, which was officially recognised on November 5 but which was postponed because of bad weather.

 

Officials explained that yesterday’s simulation was centred around a near shore tsunami. It was stressed that with this type of tsunami, residents will need to know the natural warning signs and move unprompted by government officials. The first wave could be expected to arrive within minutes.

 

Programme Officer of the DEM Danielle Skeete noted that the turnout was lower than expected in spite of door-to-door visits and two town hall meetings. She noted however that the experience still proved to be an educational one for residents and the emergency officials in attendance.

 

Notably, residents were able to point out alternative routes and short-cuts to reach higher ground in the event that a tsunami hits that section of the coast. However, concern was raised by an official of the Barbados Citizens Band Radio Association about the inefficient level of communication during the exercise.

 

Skeete lamented that generally many Barbadians are not taking tsunami exercises seriously, with many holding the view that it won’t happen in Barbados, or that because of the topography of the island persons will be unable to outrun the massive waves as they roll inland.

 

The programme officer reminded that Barbados was hit back in 1939 with a tsunami as a result of underwater volcano Kick Em Jenny, where waves at two meters were recorded.

 

She said a concerted effort will be made to educate communities, saying as many DEOs as possible will be trained as far as resources will allow. Skeete stressed that unlike the hurricane season, tsunamis can happen in any time and the island must be prepared.

 

As it relates to the readiness of the island’s DEOs, she lamented that too many of these organisations are not ready, primarily because their numbers have been falling over the years. To this end, she said an attempt must be made to attract new and younger persons, which might include carrying out more activities on the ground to get them more interested in the work being carried out and the importance of DEOs to Barbadian communities. (JH)