Bermuda will join localities in the Caribbean as a participant in a tsunami response exercise tomorrow [March 17], titled ‘CARIBE WAVE 16′. A spokesperson said, “The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate local tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region. The 2016 exercise will simulate an earthquake off the northern coast of Hispaniola. The resulting exercise tsunami wave will affect Bermuda, as well as other jurisdictions in the Atlantic and Caribbean. “This proposed exercise is a very realistic one – over 87 years ago a tsunami affected Bermuda in November 1929, with a point of origin off the Grand Banks of Newfoundland, Canada. Bermuda has changed considerably since then, and waterfront properties, shipping industry, ocean activities [beach or mariners] and moored vessels have all come into existence or increased considerably. “Many people are surprised to hear that Bermuda has in fact … [Read more...] about Tsunami Warning Exercise Set For Tomorrow
Tsunami warning signs
Virgin Islands takes part in Caribe Wave 2019 Tsunami drill
Last Thursday, 2,012 people across Tortola participated in a regional tsunami and earthquake drill dubbed Caribe Wave 2019. The main point to remember: Head to high ground. “This is part of preparing for life,” said Cecil Hodge, discipline principal of Elmore Stoutt High School, as students exited the temporary ESHS building in Pasea. “It’s important because we have to practise getting ready in case we have a real emergency.” ESHS teachers and students headed up hill after hearing sirens and receiving texts that warned, “Exercise! Exercise! The territory has been issued a tsunami warning evacuation. Please move to higher ground!” The signal was sent through CCT, Flow, Digicel, Facebook, the radio, and the Department of Disaster Management application. Employees of the Financial Services Commission also took part, getting a workout in while they participated. The annual regional exercise included 48 countries and territories throughout the … [Read more...] about Virgin Islands takes part in Caribe Wave 2019 Tsunami drill
How Indonesia’s tsunami warning system failed its citizens again
(CNN)The disaster hit without warning. Many of the hundreds of people who died when a tsunami struck the Indonesian coast Saturday night were nowhere near shelter. Quite simply, they had no idea it was coming. That's because despite a history of tsunamis caused by volcanoes and earthquakes, Indonesia has not had an effective early warning system for years. Saturday's disaster isn't the first time Indonesia's disaster readiness has been criticized this year. In September, more than 2,000 people were killed after a tsunami and earthquake struck western Sulawesi, with many complaining they were caught unawares. Also, over July and August, a series of earthquakes hit the northern Lombok region, sparking landslides and collapsing buildings that left over 400 people dead. On Monday, Indonesian President Joko Widodo ordered the country's Meteorology, Climatology and Geological Agency (BMKG) to purchase tsunami detectors "that can provide early warnings to community." Read More Widodo … [Read more...] about How Indonesia’s tsunami warning system failed its citizens again
FEATURE: Caribbean countries taking more than just passing interest in tsunamis
Share This On: – With the frequency of earthquakes in the Caribbean these days, regional countries are taking more than just a passing interest in World Tsunami Awareness Day, which is being observed today. The Seismic Research centre (SRC) of the St. Augustine campus of the University of the West Indies (UWI) describes a tsunami as an ocean wave or series of waves caused by a sudden disturbance of the ocean floor that displaces a large amount of water. SRC says tsunamis are caused generally by earthquakes, less commonly by submarine landslides, infrequently by submarine volcanic eruptions and very rarely by large meteorite impacts in the ocean. Trinidad and Tobago, is one Caribbean country that has been experiencing, almost on a daily basis, earth tremors with the biggest scare occurring in late August when an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.9 sent people scampering out of buildings, destroyed some homes and brought with it the possibility of a tsunami. SRC Director Dr. … [Read more...] about FEATURE: Caribbean countries taking more than just passing interest in tsunamis
Indonesia accused of mishandling tsunami warnings
(CNN)The Indonesian government has defended itself against accusations it issued inadequate safety warnings as a powerful earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed at least 844 people. The 7.5 magnitude earthquake hit Sulawesi island on Friday causing three-meter-high (10 foot) waves to surge over parts of its northwestern shore, with groups of people caught on the coastline, apparently unaware of the danger. Experts underscored the difficulties of predicting tsunamis and raising safety alerts across Indonesia's vast archipelago of over 17,000 islands and 261 million people, but others pointed to a lack of government coordination and funding. Online criticism from Indonesians centered on allegations that the country's meteorology and geophysics agency (BMKG) canceled the tsunami alert too early. The alert was sounded shortly after 6 p.m. on Friday warning of potential waves of up to three meters. The warning was canceled at 6.36 p.m. However, the agency said the alert was lifted … [Read more...] about Indonesia accused of mishandling tsunami warnings