NDMC raises awareness of Earthquakes and Tsunamis

~~Adz:Left~~ Roadtown, Tortola - The Public Information and Education (PIE) Sub-committee of the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) and the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) are confident that residents of the Territory are now better aware of how to prepare for and respond to earthquakes and tsunamis.

This, as they wrap up their educational programme held during October which was designed to heighten public awareness about the two hazards. The primary message of the multi-agency programme was, “Do not leave it to fate. Mitigate!”

The BVI is located in a very seismically active zone, which makes the Territory vulnerable to potentially damaging earthquakes. The zones which pose the greatest threats are associated with the Anegada trough and the Puerto Rican Trench.

As part of its outreach programming, the sub-committee interviewed Physical Planner Mr. Louis Potter on proper planning for earthquake mitigation, featured building mitigation on ZBVI Radio’s Alamanac programme as well as aired public service announcements on CBN Channel 51.
Additionally informational posters under the theme “When the Earth Quakes” were distributed to the public and the month closed with a GIS radio report discussing earthquake mitigation and preparation for the Territory.

Information Training Manager for the Department of Disaster Management Ms. Natasha Lettsome said that knowledge of earthquake precautions and natural tsunami warning signs as well as preparedness actions are vital to the prevention of loss of life and property. 

Ms. Lettsome emphasised that during an earthquake, persons should take cover under a sturdy desk or piece of furniture and protect their head with one arm as they brace themselves with the other. She also warned individuals not to run out of buildings during an earthquake since this action could increase one’s possibility of being hurt.

The Information Training Manager explained that a tsunami is a series of waves caused by a mass disturbance of water usually generated by an undersea earthquake or landslide, volcanic eruptions or meteors falling to the earth. Tsunamis arrive as a series of successive waves which can occur from five to 90 minutes apart. The last tsunami to affect the Territory was in November 1867.

Ms. Lettsome advised that a noticeable rapid rise or fall in coastal waters or a significant withdrawal of the sea around the Territory after a particularly strong earthquake could be an indication that a tsunami may be pending. If any of these signs are detected, persons should evacuate low lying areas immediately. Safest areas are 50 feet above sea level and one mile off the shore line.

The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) is chaired by His Excellency the Governor and coordinates disaster preparedness and response readiness activities. The NDMC’s Public Information and Education sub-committee promotes public awareness of hazards and disasters.