CARIBE WAVE, an annual regional tsunami exercise is slated to take place on Thursday, 20 March at approximately 10am local time. The exercise is part of an international effort coordinated by the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE-EWS) under UNESCO’s Oceanographic Commission (IOC). CARIBE WAVE aims to enhance tsunami preparedness and response across the Caribbean region.

The Cayman Islands will participate in the exercise using the Jamaica scenario, which simulates a tsunami generated by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault Zone (EPGFZ). The exercise will test emergency notification systems, public response protocols, and evacuation procedures.

The National Emergency Notification System (NENS) app will be utilised to issue alerts regarding the simulated earthquake, tsunami threat, and the all-clear message. Notifications will also be broadcast via NENS Phase 1, transmitting updates through local radio stations. Residents are reminded that these notifications are part of the exercise and may remain calm.

A total of 27 schools ranging from preschool to high school across the Cayman Islands have registered to participate, ensuring that students, teachers, and administrators are well-prepared for potential seismic activity and tsunami threats. Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) is working closely with the Department of Education Services to facilitate the exercise and raise awareness among the education sector and the wider public.

“The CARIBE WAVE exercise is a critical component of our ongoing disaster preparedness efforts,” said Dani Coleman, Director of HMCI. “By participating in this regional drill, we strengthen our ability to respond effectively to tsunami threats and safeguard our communities. Given the recent earthquake activity in the region, including near the Cayman Islands, this exercise is especially timely.”

The Director of Education Services, Mark Ray, emphasised the importance of school participation: “Ensuring our students and educators know what to do in the event of an earthquake and tsunami threat is vital. This exercise provides a hands-on learning experience that reinforces preparedness and safety. Our childrens’ safety and ability to respond is of the utmost importance.”

The public is encouraged to register for the exercise to experience the benefits firsthand, including:

• Being counted as a participant on the TsunamiZone website
• Setting an example for others to prepare
• Receiving important tsunami preparedness updates

To register and learn more about tsunami preparedness, visit www.tsunamizone.org/register.