With two communities already achieving the Tsunami Ready Recognition status, Barbados is seeking to have a third community recognised, as efforts to build resilience against the tsunami hazard continue.
But, Coastal Planner at the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU), Fabian Hinds, is urging residents and businesses operating in those communities not to get complacent because the tsunami ready designation did not mean they were tsunami-proof.
He made this assertion as he addressed the launch of Coastal Hazards and Earthquake Smart Month 2024 at the Folkestone Park and Marine Reserve, recently.
Shermans, St. Lucy, to Mullins, St. Peter received the Tsunami Ready status in 2020, while the Garrison, St. Michael, to Rendezvous, Christ Church, received theirs last year.
The Porters, St. James, to Batts Rock, St. Michael community is seeking the Tsunami Ready Recognition status, which it hopes to achieve by month-end.
Mr. Hinds explained that the Tsunami Ready Recognition status served as an acknowledgement that a community has adopted mitigation measures to cope with their tsunami risks.
The Tsunami Ready Recognition programme is supported by 12 key indicators that cover assessment, preparedness, and response.
Mr. Hinds explained that under assessments, tsunami hazard zones must be mapped and designated, the number of people at risk in the tsunami hazard zone estimated, and the economic infrastructure, political and social resources identified.
He added that for preparedness, easily understood tsunami evacuation maps must be approved, and tsunami information, including signage, prominently displayed. Outreach, public awareness, and educational resources must be made available and distributed.
In addition, outreach educational activities must be held at least three times per year, and community tsunami exercises conducted at least every two years.
Under response, a community tsunami emergency response plan must be approved; capacity to manage emergency response operations during the tsunami must be in place; and redundant and a reliable means of receiving 24-hour official tsunami alerts in place. There should also be a redundant and reliable means of timely disseminating 24-hour tsunami alerts to the public.
“Only when communities have demonstrated that they have satisfied the 12 indicators under these three categories, are the communities to be recognised as Tsunami Ready,” he explained.
Project Coordinator for the Porters, St. James, to Batts Rock, St. Michael, Tsunami Recognition Project, Selwyn Brooks, outlined that the area had a “relatively narrow coastline” and a significant portion of the island’s high-end hotels, large property owners, government offices, restaurants, and residential facilities were located there.
In total, he said there were an estimated 12,000 persons who traversed the area daily for work or recreation purposes, or to conduct business.
“The vulnerability of this area is therefore a significant concern as a result of a number of potential hazards which can impact this area, [such as] flooding and storm surge,” he said.
Mr. Brooks pointed out that the St. James Central District Emergency Organisation (DEO) recognised that should conditions give rise to a tsunami, the Community Tsunami Emergency Operations plan would be activated.
That plan, he said, was developed by the DEO, the Department of Emergency Management and the CZMU, and covers preparedness response and initial recovery arrangement for a tsunami impact.
He added that there were currently 21 primary evacuation routes identified and associated assembly areas that could be used to lead people to higher ground. In addition, a list of vulnerable persons and the potential shelter capacity has also been identified, if needed.
During the launch, guests were treated to a cultural presentation by the Haynesville Youth Club and spoken word by “Stoned with Cupid”. Students from the Frederick Smith Secondary School, St. James Primary, Roland Edwards Primary, and the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School were also in attendance.