The Virgin Islands is set to participate in a tsunami exercise on March 23rd, 2023. The exercise aims to simulate a tsunami scenario and test the territory’s emergency response systems, including its communication systems and evacuation procedures.
The exercise is being organized by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), in collaboration with local and regional partners, including the Caribbean Tsunami Warning Program, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the United States Geological Survey.
The tsunami exercise is an important opportunity for the BVI to assess its level of preparedness and identify any areas that need improvement. The exercise will test the response of key agencies, including the police, fire department, hospitals, and government officials, to a simulated tsunami event. It will also test the effectiveness of the BVI’s early warning systems and evacuation procedures.
The DDM has been working to improve the BVI’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The department has developed a comprehensive disaster management plan and has been conducting regular training exercises to ensure that emergency responders are prepared for any eventuality.
The tsunami exercise is part of the territory’s ongoing efforts to enhance its disaster preparedness and response capabilities. It is also an opportunity to collaborate with regional and international partners to share best practices and learn from their experiences.
The exercise is expected to take place in several locations across the territory, including the main island of Tortola, as well as the islands of Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke.
The DDM has advised the public that the exercise is only a simulation and that there is no real tsunami threat to the BVI.
Caribe Wave will test public sector coordination, as well as local and regional emergency communications. Community participants are encouraged to identify their safe zone and evacuation routes, practise walking to high ground or inland together, and discuss with colleagues and relatives how they plan to get in touch after an emergency.
To sign up for Caribe Wave, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Caribewave2023.
If a tsunami or other real threat occurs during the exercise period, the exercise will be terminated.
Caribe Wave is organised locally by DDM under the leadership of the UNESCO/IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE-EWS), and in partnership with the Caribbean Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).