Authorities test tsunami warning system

Barbados’ communication systems to alert the public about pending disasters received a passing grade from the authorities Thursday after they staged a mock tsunami warning, the annual CARIBE WAVE exercise.

But, while the messages were sent and received on various platforms, the participants said they need continued training to effectively communicate the alert messages.

Speaking during a virtual ‘after-action review’, Director of the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) Kerry Hinds said: “Practice makes perfect. This exercise showed the need to continue practising, especially in a controlled environment.”

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s CARIBE WAVE exercise took the form of a communications test among various agencies. It tested agencies’ ability to receive and disseminate messages, using the correct terminology.

Messages of a “pending tsunami” were transmitted via the Astro and VHF radio frequencies, the Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) system, which sent emails and cell phone alerts, and triggered radio interrupts across four national radio channels – 101.1 FM, 103.1 FM, 90.1 FM and 98.1 FM radio stations.

Alerts were also sent out via the DEM’s social media outlets, including Facebook and Instagram.

Hinds underscored the importance of conducting the exercise, noting that emergency communication was very important in the event of the island being impacted by an emergency or disaster.

The DEM director added that the need to communicate in a very responsible manner could affect the overall outcome for public safety in the wake of a disaster.

She acknowledged recommendations from participants for further training, and an interest expressed by some to improve the training.

During the review, participants expressed a desire to learn more about operating the VHF and Astro radios and the use of the phonetic alphabet. They also asked that future exercises be hosted over a longer timeframe.

CARIBE WAVE is an annual tsunami exercise to advance tsunami preparedness efforts in the Caribbean and neighbouring regions.

Sponsored by the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations science agency, UNESCO, this year’s exercise was conducted on the tenth anniversary of the Tohoku, Japan earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 16,000 people.

The exercise is coordinated together with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and regional emergency management partners in Central America and the French West Indies, and CDEMA, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. (BT/BGIS)