Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis: A three-day National Hurricane preparedness and response simulation exercise was undertaken by the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC). This was held from July 17 to 19, with an aim to assess the response systems of St. Kitts and Nevis when the hurricane hits.
This exercise was initiated under the directives of Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew. Moreover, Dr. Drew is also the Executive Director of the National Emergency Operations Centre.
The exercise was conducted by creating a scenario of the fictional Hurricane Ingrid in St. Kitts and Nevis and judging its potential impact. During the exercise, the team began with the meeting at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Headquarters on July 17.
Prime Minister Drew was also present and actively participated during the first two days of the activities conducted.
PM Drew stated that, “We have to be ready for any eventuality.” He also shared that preparedness is crucial in overcoming challenges and risks during times of emergencies.
The Prime Minister further noted that through such exercise the government can also determine if any additional financial resources are required for the improvement of the nation’s readiness.
Also, the training concluded on July 19, with the evaluation presentation by several leaders of various NEOC sub-committees. They also discussed the extent to which the damage can occur to different sectors and shared when the services would resume.
As the training concluded, Cabinet Ministers and NEOC officials immediately visited three locations that were severely impacted by the storm.
The areas visited include the Irish Town Bay Road, where flooding resulted in sand deposits on the road, followed by a residential area in Cayon where land slippage occurred, and Stone Fort, where the workers were busy clearing the fallen trees and debris that blocked the road.
The officials of NEOC considered the three-day simulation training as helpful and success. It also made the authorities aware of how prompt and effective the response system of St. Kitts and Nevis is.
Furthermore, this activity also unveiled the areas of improvement and working upon them can make citizens safe and well informed during the times the federation is hit by disasters.
