BASSETERRE, St.Kitts (Friday 16th October 2020)- Pedestrians and motorists reacted out of curiosity to blaring sirens and the roles carried out by traffic wardens, police officers among others participants during a Flood Hazard Simulation Exercise of the College Street and Westbourne Ghaut in Basseterre conducted on Saturday 10th October 2020.
The exercise, organised by The St. Kitts & Nevis Red Cross Society (SKNRCS) in partnership with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) kicked off early that morning.
According to NEMA, the event formed part of the SKNRCS ongoing Education programme funded under the Capacity Building Initiative (CBI) for Disaster Preparedness and Response for National Societies within the Caribbean.
More details on the simulation exercise to be provided in a follow-up report.
Meanwhile, on another note touching on the general topic of disaster preparedness, Director of the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) Brian Dyer during a presentation at Nevis’ COVID-19 Emergency Centre Operations Briefing at Long Point on Monday 12th October for International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDDR) – observed on 13th October- spoke about the aim to promote a global culture of disaster reduction including disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.
“The event solidifies the global process and achievements thus far towards the Sendai Framework Seven Global Targets to be achieved by the year 2030,” he told.
Dyer continued: “Held on the 13th of October, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction began in 1989. This day celebrates how people and communities around the world are reducing their exposure to disasters, and raising awareness about the importance of reining in the risks they face.
“It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the substantial progress being made toward the reduction of disaster risk, losses in lives, livelihoods and health. Additionally, it also measures the progress made in the economic, physical, social, cultural, environmental and assets of persons, businesses, communities and countries.”
According to him, the need to build our resilience and reduce the vulnerability of our society has now become more crucial than ever.
“The response to the COVID pandemic and a record setting year for the most named storms in the Tropical Atlantic, has the potential to overwhelm our island’s limited resources and exceed our capacity to cope with the new challenges.”
“It is imperative therefore, that we are armed with the knowledge of what to do before, during and after each impact. Our vulnerability to disasters can only be minimized through effective risk reduction and maximising the use of our resources,” he added. Dyer appealed “ to everyone to act responsibly, join the effort of building a resilient nation. So, let’s plan, prepare and protect!”