Take all storm alerts seriously – PM Gonsalves

The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins today, Friday June 1, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) will be lucky if one of the major predicted storms does not crash down on us, as the forecast is for a season with above average activity.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves is therefore calling for all hands on deck.

“Climate change is not caused by spiritual wickedness…it is urgent because our lives are so adversely affected by that which is a permanent feature to us. It is not a question that we are not going to have some natural disaster, we are. The question is what is the level of that natural disaster,” Gonsalves pondered while speaking yesterday at the official launch of the 2018 Hurricane Season at a press conference at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conference room.

The Prime Minister said that last year was a very active and catastrophic season that registered 17 main storms, 10 hurricanes and six major hurricanes. He noted that 2017 is ranked as the fifth most active season as well as the costliest season on record, with approximately US$300 billion in damage recorded. This, officials say, is expected to be the new normal.

Speaking to stakeholders gathered at the press briefing which dealt with the 2018 Hurricane Season predictions and appeal, Gonsalves stated that global warming is causing unusual and unprecedented climate activity and measures need to be put in place urgently to deal with these issues, “as the seasons have gone topsy turvy.”

Addressing the 2018 predictions, the Prime Minister said two of the leading forecast centres, The Colorado State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have issued predictions stating that there will be a slightly above average season.

“The Colorado State University…they predict 14 main storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes…an average season produces 12 main storms, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes,” said Gonsalves.

However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast predicts a 75 per cent chance of a near or above normal season with 40 per cent being near normal and 35 per cent being above normal.

“They forecast 10 to 16 main storms, winds of 39 miles per hour and above, of which five to nine would become hurricanes with winds 74 miles per hour and above and one to two major hurricanes, either category three, four or five with more than 111 miles per hour wind,” Gonsalves said. 

He explained that although these are merely predictions, SVG would be lucky if one of these storms does not hit us. Gonsalves is also of the thinking that during the next six months, what happened in Dominica last year may happen to us.

With this in mind, he is asking Vincentians to listen to the persons who are trained in this area and to prepare for the season and take all storm alerts seriously.

He said that in the December 2013 floods, persons went to bed on Christmas Eve and woke up in indescribable circumstances, while 12 deaths were recorded and because of our topography and geographical location, we are more susceptible to the effects of torrential rainfall.

Concerning the current readiness of stakeholders and cost accumulated as a result of natural disasters, Gonsalves said that about $400 million, in excess of 20 per cent of dispersed public debt, relates to disasters (either to try make us more resilient or to correct or recover from a disaster).

“This year alone in the capital budget is close to $75 million in terms of the capital allocations. Matters touching and concerning climate change, resilience, recovery and the like. It is a lot of money,” said Gonsalves.

Going further, he said there are a few changes that should be made to ensure a safer season. He said government is building the shelters “better and stronger” and there can be more than one shelter in one district.

He also pointed out that more effective district committee structures and better shelter management will help in mobilisation. He praised the heavy equipment companies for always assisting in cleaning after a disaster, even when money is not readily available. 

Also addressing the gathering, Minister of Agriculture Saboto Caesar said that in the next few weeks, a survey will be done in order to determine the most disaster prone and vulnerable areas so that emergency teams will have points to begin in case of a natural disaster.

He said also that there will be full insurance on bananas and plantains with the Windward Island Crop Insurance Limited (WINCROP).