Tsunami Readiness in Trinidad and Tobago. Presented By: Eric Mackie

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1 Tsunami Readiness in Trinidad and Tobago Presented By: Eric Mackie

2 Outline Our Vulnerability Trinidad & Tobago Tsunami Readiness Current Initiatives Tsunami Early Warning Protocol Challenges Sustained Efforts Dealing with the threat

3 Our Vulnerability Estimated Exposed Population (Trinidad) 121 Communities (est. pop : 203,904) Commercial Centres (incl. Port-of-Spain) Energy-based Industrial Centres: (Point Lisas / San Fernando / Point Fortin/ Galeota) Offshore Oil and Gas producing installations Estimated Exposed Population (Tobago) Est. Pop 75,000 Tourism Sector (South-west) Commercial Centre (incl. Scarborough)

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6 Tsunami Readiness Little or no time will be available to issue effective warning for local tsunami threat. Therefore, there has to be a sustained public education program aimed at teaching coastal communities to: Recognise the natural cues associated with tsunami generation and arrival, Develop emergency contingency plans and exercise these plans, and Respond appropriately during a tsunami threat to save lives.

7 Current Initiatives Tsunami communication protocol recently developed under the CDEMA project in 2011 has been adapted and work continues to complete this document Introduction of ODPM s National Volunteer Programme Introduction of CERT Programme Let s Get Ready Campaign Public Sensitization Media Communities Organised and Ready for Emergencies (CORE) Table-top Drills with our key response agencies Community-based Evacuation planning and drills Installation of Signage

8 Challenges Bathymetric Data To improve the modelling capability for Tsunami Inundation analysis and mapping EMWIN Decision was taken to delay acquisition of the EMWIN system because of planned changes in software and hardware. This project remains ongoing and has now been actioned. A request for quotation has been sent out and a reply received.

9 Sustained Efforts Education and Public Awareness Sector-based approach (Maritime Sector, Education) Increase media (TV, Radio, Social networking sites) Community-based Evacuation Planning through Disaster Management Units in ALL Municipal Corporations Installation of two additional sirens in Scarborough and Crown Point, Tobago Increased Signage at various locations in both islands Using the NDRRC Platform to partner with key stakeholder (MET, SRU, DMUs etc) to develop / review policies, plans and design sensitization programmes Development Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan National and Community based drills Consideration for a Multi-hazard Early Warning System for Trinidad and Tobago

10 How do we deal with the threat of a Tsunami?

11 When an earthquake occurs: The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre (PTWC) analyses the data and quickly decides whether a Tsunami may have been generated. PTWC send tsunami advisories to the National Tsunami Focal Point the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (Met Office) PTWC also sends the tsunami information directly to the ODPM by fax and . The goes to an automatic repeating software which forwards the information to all staff within the OPDM s structure. Met Office pass the alerts, warnings and other information to ODPM and TEMA, who then assess whether to declare a potential tsunami emergency.

12 Within the ODPM the fax goes to two fax machines, one of which is in the Call Centre and the goes to three persons including the CEO, who is also the TNC. The ODPM and TEMA alert key members of communities to be affected by all available means and initiate evacuation plans. People in coastal areas will be advised to move inland as quickly as possible. The ODPM and TEMA disseminate the alerts, watches, warnings and other necessary information to the communities at risk through the media (radio, television), SMS messaging, social media and sirens where applicable. The ODPM and TEMA alert the NSOC and NSC. The call tree for the NEOC is activated.

13 A Tsunami is a rapid onset event. Time means lives lost or saved, depending on the speed of our response to the threat. Always be Prepared.

14 Tsunami Related Websites for Trinidad and Tobago Seismic Research Centre Webpage: CDEMA Earthquake and Tsunami Portal: Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services: Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management: Tobago Emergency Management Agency:

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16 National Tsunami Early Warning Protocol PTWS TEMA SRU Prime Minister TTMeT ODPM Engage Responders