National Disaster Coordinator Fitzroy Pascal says assessments are being done to determine Dominica’s readiness for this hurricane season.
The sub committees of the National Emergency Planning Organisation (NEPO) met at the Office of Disaster Management at Jimmit on Wednesday.
Pascal said it is of vital importance that an assessment be made of the readiness of the national mechanism to face another hurricane season which has already begun.
He added that hydro meteorological events are not the only hazards that the island faces, therefore, preparedness is not only geared towards tropical cyclones or other related events but also natural hazards.
“Our recent experience with a major disaster resulting from Hurricane Maria has provided a first hand view of the many challenges associated with responding to such events and the eventual task of recovery and rebuilding, he stated”
He said the challenge is to determine the level of readiness of the national system which is fully dependent on the work done by the various sub committees tasked with particular responsibilities.
Pascal told participants at Wednesday’s meeting that some of the concerns ahead of the hurricane season are being addressed.
“During Hurricane Preparedness Week, field exercises were conducted by the ODM along with other sub committee chairpersons in eight districts across the island which was done in an effort to bring critical feedback from disaster committees and other community leader on their state of readiness for the season,” he remarked.
The National Disaster Coordinator said this provided the opportunity to gain personal experience on the ground scenarios in the communities which will certainly help in the decision making process.
“Some of the concerns that were raised including the availability and operation of suitable shelters, are being addressed and this should place the country in a much better position when compared to last year,” he stated.
So how ready are we? you only states some of the issues being faced. but have we improved? where do we stand? what else needs to be addressed? We are already in hurricane season 2 years after maria.
Fitzroy is a good man, but he’s employed by a failed state and a failed regime. With an abundance of rivers, we had no drinking water available during Maria. The list of deficiencies is too long to list. All we can do at this point is hope that new hurricanes stay clear of the Nature Isle. That’s our disaster preparedness plan for Dominica. Skerrit and Company is too busy taking the “Rum Drinking Show” on the road.
Yes…Assessment ! Review as in plan, programme and ‘review’. As in establishing feedback for preventive actions and to find solutions for future problems. That is being proactive in practice.
This assessment is good, a move in the right direction. Using the lessons of Maria will help us make the good choices. But while the “Authorities” have the duty to put safety measures in place the bigger duty if for us to realize that the responsibility for our survival in time of disaster is our own. And will depend on the choices we make.
An other side of this begs the question, “are we spiritually ready ?” Have we been praying to our Savior and Rescuer for His protection and defense against all calamities and disasters, man made or natural ? Have we been praying for these dangers to bypass Dominica and let us experience sunlight, drizzle and breezes.
Today marks the last of June. As the saying goes, “June too soon July stand by.” To get spiritually ready we must kneel by at least once a day and pray during the month of July. Pray to Jesus he ALONE has the power to calm the storms. Amen.
what assessment. He didnt give any tangible feedback. Unless there is more to the article that i didnt see.
Man, assessing readiness for hurricane? We already one Mother into the season and two years after Maria and you don’t know if we ready? Very resilient isn’t bro.
Can you be honest I meant.
Mr Pascal why can’t you just cut the chase and tell the pole what actions are being put in place or have been put in place to ensure the safety of fellow Dominicans.
Too often ppl comes to the media with no strategy to resolve things instead making vague statements just to keep the people quiet.
Man that’s not how our people should be treated.
Can we not be honest when addressing the population for once.
It happening with the politicians, police, those in authority to educate and disseminate information.
This is why our people are so misinformed therefore, we see the evidence from their behaviour.
Readiness??? Get a life man. Dominica is not even prepared, you have Dominicans living under tarpaulin still.
We’re almost into the second month of the hurricane season and we’re only now carrying out an assessment? By the time we are through, then do the analysis, it will be December. How competent!
Assessment still?
What about all that talk of resilience?