News

The National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) is currently hosting a two-day workshop on Tuesday, 19th and Wednesday, 20th March, 2024, to present the Tsunami Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Conducted in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), this workshop is part of the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Tsunami Early Warning System program under the Building the Resilience of the CARIFORUM States to Disaster Risk and Climate Change Impacts (BRICS) Project, funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Caribbean Regional Indicative Program (CRIP).

The primary objectives of the workshop are to familiarize participants with the processes and actions outlined in the National Tsunami SOP and to introduce them to the structure of Tsunami threat messages and the use of decision support tools for disseminating information to the general public. This initiative seeks to enhance the operational capacity of the members of the National Tsunami Warning Center (NTWC) and the Tsunami Warning Focal Point (TWFP) in accordance with the Tsunami SOP for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The educational and interactive training covered essential topics, including the national emergency management mechanism, the national tsunami program, and an overview of the Tsunami Recognition Program in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG). Participants gained valuable insights into disaster preparedness protocols and operational procedures crucial for effective response in the event of a tsunami disaster.
An independent presentation was delivered by Miss Christa Von Hildebrand Andrade, Deputy Director for the International Tsunami Center Caribbean Office. She provided insights into intergovernmental coordination groups such as CARIBE EWS and introduced participants to the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and the International Tsunami Information Center (ITIC). 

Geologist Ms. Leanka Henry  presented on the science  of tsunamis, including their primary causes, types, warning signs, and historical impacts in the region, with a specific focus on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Tsunami SOP illustrates the comprehensive process of gathering, analyzing, and disseminating information concerning a Tsunami event, as well as the procedures for alerting and notifying vulnerable communities.

The workshop is being held at the National Emergency Management Organization conference room, commencing at 9:00 AM each day.

SOURCE: Agency For Public Information