BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is reminding residents to stay prepared for natural disasters following a powerful 7.6 magnitude earthquake near Honduras and the Cayman Islands over the weekend. The quake initially triggered a tsunami alert, putting several Caribbean nations on high alert.
Although the threat was later downgraded and eventually canceled, NEMA is using the incident as a crucial reminder that disasters can strike without warning. The agency is urging residents to remain vigilant and take proactive steps to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.
"Being prepared can make all the difference in protecting ourselves, our families, and our communities," Livingston Pemberton, National Disaster Coordinator of NEMA.
NEMA encourages all residents to follow these essential preparedness steps:
- Stay Informed – Keep up with official updates from NEMA and know how to receive emergency alerts.
- Create a Family Emergency Plan – Discuss potential hazards, set up an evacuation plan, establish a communication strategy, and choose a designated meeting point.
- Build an Emergency Kit – Gather essentials like water, non-perishable food, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, medications, and important documents.
- Know Your Surroundings – Be aware of potential risks in your area, such as flood zones or landslide-prone regions.
- Practice Drills – Regularly rehearse emergency plans, including evacuation routes and safety procedures.
"This recent event, while we are thankful it did not result in a tsunami impacting the shores of any territory, underscores the reality that we live in a region where various natural hazards are possible. We cannot afford to be complacent. I urge every resident of St. Kitts and Nevis to take disaster preparedness seriously. It’s not just about preparing for hurricanes; we must be ready for any eventuality," Pemberton added.
NEMA said it remains committed to safeguarding the people of St. Kitts and Nevis and urged everyone to follow its various channels for the latest updates on disaster preparedness and safety tips.
