The Virgin Islands will join several other countries and territories in testing their tsunami preparedness during a simulation drill next Wednesday, according to the Department of Disaster Management.
“We are strongly encouraging the entire population to see the benefit in testing their tsunami readiness,” DDM Training Officer Carishma Hicks said. “Government departments, private companies, organisations and schools should use the … exercise as an ideal opportunity to test their earthquake/tsunami evacuation procedures.”
The possibility of a massive earthquake and subsequent tsunami is “a very real threat” in the VI, according to DDM.
Scientific evidence has shown that Anegada experienced extensive overwash following a 1755 earthquake centred in Portugal, Ms. Hicks said. Also, in the wake of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, scientists have predicted that more large earthquakes are likely to strike this region at any time.
Wednesday’s simulation exercise also will be used to evaluate the operational readiness of the National Emergency Alert and Broadcast System and test the newly designated tsunami evacuation routes.
Additionally, telecommunications provider Digicel is partnering with DDM to test the mobile alerting system.
DDM is currently working to qualify for the “Tsunami Ready” designation provided by the United States National Weather Service. To that end, the agency has created tsunami evacuation maps for the four main islands and erected evacuation signs leading to safe zones.
Anyone wishing to participate in next Wednesday’s exercise can contact the DDM at 468-4200 for registration and guidelines.
The Caribe Wave/ Lantex 2014 drill is sponsored by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Programme, which is a partnership of 29 countries and territories and three federal agencies.
{fcomment}