Tsunami Ready Activities in Dominica

The of Disaster Management (ODM) is partnering with the International Tsunami Information Centre (ITIC) - Caribbean Office in the implementation of the Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme primarily in the town of Portsmouth. This programme is initiated internationally by UNESCO's Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (UNESCO/IOC) and regionally, by the International Tsunami Information Centre, Caribbean Office (ITIC-CAR). Implementation activities and products in Dominica are being funded by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in the United States of America.

The Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme supports at risk communities in preparing physically, intellectually and administratively to address tsunami risks and to help save lives. Implementation of these initial readiness activities will run till the end of September 2023. Core implementation activities include: community agreement, evacuation mapping and signage, developing a Tsunami Plan, community outreach and education, conducting a simulation exercise and submission of an application to be officially recognized as tsunami ready. Thus far, there has already been agreement for implementation by the Portsmouth Town Council, an initial draft of a tsunami evacuation map has been developed and tsunami signage is being procured.

Between Sunday 25th and Wednesday 28th June, Mrs. Christa G. von Hillebrandt-Andrade who is the Deputy Director of the International Tsunami Information Centre (ITIC) and Manager, Caribbean Office (ITIC-CAR) - accompanied by her colleague Ms. Stephanie Soto will be in Dominica after completion of a similar visit to St. Lucia and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. On Monday and Tuesday, the team conducted critical educational sessions with key stakeholders at the ODM, host press engagements through radio and GIS, and meet with the stakeholders in the Portsmouth community to discuss implementation and finalization of tsunami evacuation mapping and signage.