Advice, laws meant to ensure safety when storms rage

When we heard the news that Hurricane Beryl had intensified and was registering as a Category 4 system, we feared the worst – not only for our beloved Barbados but for all our Caribbean neighbours.

As Beryl powered through the Caribbean, its strength decreased and increased and the weather system even changed paths. Barbadians are thankful that we were spared the worst, yet again.

We feel the pain and sense of loss being experienced by some of our fisherfolk who were adversely affected by Beryl, as well as those whose houses were damaged and the thousands who, at points during and after the strong storm, lost electricity and water services.

However, unlike several other countries, we did not suffer any loss of life or severe structural damage to buildings. So we managed to dodge yet another bullet. But a time may come when we may not be able to dodge anymore. That is why hurricane and disaster preparedness is so vitally important.

Despite the constant advice to “be prepared” for the hurricane season, some seem to be caught napping whenever a weather system is at our doorstep. Long lines in supermarkets, hardware stores and general hustle and bustle just before expected impact are all signs that people appear to forget that June to November is hurricane season. Those dates do not change.

How active or inactive the season is may change from year to year. The intensity of the hurricanes may change from year to year. The names of the systems change from year to year. But the season always lasts for that six-month period.

Preparation for disaster takes many forms – getting the needed supplies, cleaning drains, trimming trees, securing properties, preparing shelters, and putting contingency plans – and the list goes on.

And while you can only prepare so much, it often seems that much of the challenges we face after bad weather could have been easily avoided were proper measures taken.

The death toll from Hurricane Beryl has climbed to at least 10 across the Caribbean region.

Beryl’s eyewall skirted Jamaica’s southern coast on Wednesday, pummelling communities as emergency groups evacuated people from flood-prone areas. A woman died in Jamaica’s Hanover parish after a tree fell on her home, according to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

The other death reported was that of a 26-year-old man who was swept away by floodwaters. He had been playing football with friends at the mini stadium when the ball went outside, and he attempted to retrieve it, police said.

There were videos circulating of Jamaicans partying in the rain, even as Hurricane Beryl barrelled toward the country. And here in Barbados, there were images and videos on social media of people outside in the floodwaters before the system had completely passed.

This is no laughing matter.

We reported that the government is considering legislation to deal with breaches of national shutdowns during emergencies or natural disasters.

Minister of Home Affairs Wilfred Abrahams spoke to the issue as he expressed concern about people venturing out before the all-clear was given, including those leaving hurricane shelters prematurely on Monday.

Safety must remain at the centre of all decisions taken. If we are told by authorities to stay indoors during the bad weather, we should comply. These instructions are given not to exert control on the population but to ensure life and limb are not put at risk when the storm rages.