THIS MONTH 60 years ago Barbados was devastated by Hurricane Janet. Since then the island has been spared the full impact of the range of natural disasters which have created havoc in many other islands in the Caribbean. Luck has been on our side.
This good fortune may have left us with a sense of false security and generally ill-equipped for most unwanted occurrences.
While it is true that there is not much that can be done to curtail the mighty winds of a Category 5 hurricane, the rumble of a major earthquake or an erupting volcano, disaster mitigation can help reduce some of the potential risks. While insurance coverage can help in the recovery effort, this is not the only solution.
Last week Dominica was struck by Tropical Storm Erika and the fallout is affecting many of its neighbours. While one country felt the direct furry of high winds and heavy rainfall, the others are obliged to reach out and help. This should be a lesson for all in this region as the misery facing many Dominicans could easily have been the plight of others in this island chain.
Unfortunately, we may not be the wiser from this experience. But, it highlights why we must be equipped to respond to disasters even beyond the assistance,from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).
There is an obvious need for nationalmand community disaster recovery plans to mitigate against both man-made and natural disasters.
Like almost everything in this region, disaster mitigation is left to governments, with communities not appreciating their roles in understanding the vulnerability of their districts and the potential fallout, be it from flooding or land slippage.
Failure to put plans in place for self-help means that communities will struggle with recovery and rebuilding efforts. This impacts on how quickly life can return to normal – as people struggle to get back into their homes and businesses. Such is the case with Dominica.
Barbados, with its limited resources, both at a national level and as part of the Regional Security System, is on the ground reaching out to help its traumatised brothers. But the state has its limitations – financial and manpower – which means Barbadians should extend a helping hand to Dominicans in time of need. This is not the time for politicians and their games. Fortunately, our response has been measured and well-coordinated, with coastguardsmen, soldiers and fire officers on the ground in response.
Looking to the future, Dominica and all other Caribbean nations must not only raise building standards, put early warning systems and evacuation plans in place but also fortify property and lives against the various ravages of nature.
Our disaster management must stress alertness, mitigation, response and recovery. Readiness and resilience in preparation for natural disasters must become part of our routine, with or without a disaster.
