NEMA boss says Tropics to remain ‘storm free’ for next 10-14 days
From Bahama islandsinfo
Friday, 23 August 2013 08:43
NASSAU, The Bahamas — Local and global weather instruments show that the Tropics (from the West Coast of Africa to New Providence) will remain storm free for at least the next 10-14 days, the Director of the country’s National Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday.
NEMA Director, Captain Stephen Russell’s announcement of a “clear tropics,” comes on the eve of the anniversary dates of Hurricanes Andrew and Sandy (August 23).
Disaster Management officials say the news of a “clear tropics” is good news as August and September are considered two of the more dangerous – if not the most dangerous months — insofar as hurricane activity is concerned.
NEMA officials continue, however, to advise those citizens who haven’t already made preparations for the 2013 Hurricane Season to do so.
“The news that all is clear in the Tropics is good news for our citizenry and for those of us in Disaster Management,” Captain Russell said to a rousing round of applause.
“With tomorrow (Friday) being the 21st anniversary of Hurricane Andrew and likewise the second anniversary of Hurricane Irene which impacted some 11 islands and cays back in 2011 and 2553 homes and/or families, and with us also approaching the first anniversary of Hurricane Sandy (October 26), this is indeed really good news,” Captain Russell added.
Hurricane Andrew was considered the most destructive and costliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclone from 1992-2005, after causing more than $250 million in damages and three deaths in The Bahamas and between $25 million-$35 million in property damage in Florida and Louisiana, USA.
Hurricane Andrew, which reached up to 175 miles per hour as it left The Bahamas and headed towards Florida, was replaced as the most destructive and costliest Atlantic Tropical Cyclone by Hurricane Katrina, which caused more than $81 million in property damage in the United States of America. Both Hurricanes occurred in August.
Addressing the annual Ministry of Social Services and Community Development/NEMA Shelter Management Course, Captain Russell said the Shelter Management Course will enable shelter managers to “better manage” their shelters when dealing with conflicts and any other activities that may arise in your shelters.”
“People who come to the shelters are products of society and what I mean by that is that you will find samples of society — both good and bad — that will come into your shelter seeking help.
“This course,” he said, “will better prepare you to be able to deal with all of the various characteristics that may present at those shelters so that you will be able to manage an efficient and effective shelter.”
Captain Russell applauded shelter managers and volunteers for their service to their country.
“Shelter managers and shelter volunteers are unique individuals in that they don’t get an opportunity to ride out the storm at home as they have to shake off their conditions and report to the shelters in order to help other persons who have been impacted by storms and/or disastrous events.
“People are not mindful of this fact, but I want top thank all of those volunteers who come out and perform their roles as managers and volunteers in spite of what may or may not be happening within their communities,” Captain Russell added.
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