Dr. Gonsalves: Don’t wait until the last minute!

As many as nine hurricanes are expected to descend on the Caribbean region this year.{{more}}

On June 1, as he made his annual address to the nation, at the beginning of the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made this announcement.

The prime minster said that all indications point to the upcoming months being a busy time, with more activity than the past year, that is expected to be ‘well above average’.

“According to professor (Phil) Klotzbach and (William) Gray at the Colorado University, this season will experience about nine hurricanes and 17 named storms, with five intense hurricanes of category three or higher.”

“This prediction is above the average hurricane season, which has ten named systems, six hurricanes and three major hurricanes.”

“The forecast correlates with other forecasters by public and private agencies with a 61 per cent chance of a major hurricane impacting the Caribbean region.”

Looking back at the 2010 season, Dr. Gonsalves reminded Vincentians that last year has been recorded with the highest rainfall since data was collected in this country, despite an intense dry spell during the early half of the year.

He noted that the rainfall for last year was recorded at 119.1 inches as compared to the average annual rainfall for the past decade of 89 inches.

He also reminded the nation of the damage caused by Hurricane Tomas on October 30, which is estimated to be $130 million and growing, with most damage being in agriculture, housing and forestry.

“Hurricane Tomas came late in the season, reinforcing the fact that we must be prepared at all times for an emergency even outside of the stipulated period…. Things have changed; we are now having alterations in the weather patterns.”

He also touched on the flash flooding which affected the north east cost of the island which is estimated to cost upward of upwards of $82 milllion.

The prime minister called on Vincentians to take the forecast for 2011 very seriously, and to do all they can to be prepared for any emergency.

“I urge you to take all the necessary steps to protect your property, your business, your family and yourself. I want you to review your family emergency and contingency plans for this hurricane season.”

“Don’t wait until the last minute – that is what we tend to do. Please don’t wait until the last minute to prepare.”

As part of observation of the beginning of this year’s hurricane season, the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) continues to hold a series of events to heighten awareness.

This included a radio talk show on Sunday, school visits, whistle stops, exhibitions and a day of prayer scheduled for this Sunday at the Faith Temple church in New Montrose.

Preparatory and awareness exercises will be held throughout the season.

“With the 2011 season forecast to be slightly more active than last year, I’m appealing to all our people to pay attention to the weather advisories, the MET office and NEMO,” the prime Minister warned.

“Do not be complacent; hurricanes and storms can develop early or late in the season… and even outside of the traditional hurricane season.”

“I am asking all our people not to try second guess NEMO and the officials….”