Yellow Hill Montserrat, Thursday,  23 March 2023 – The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) conducted a tsunami simulation exercise on Thursday, 23 March 2023, at Isle Bay to strengthen tsunami preparedness along Montserrat coasts.

The activity formed part of CARIBEWAVE, a tsunami exercise held annually in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands under the direction of UNESCO and the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center.

The tsunami simulation exercise was based, on a tsunami occurring, at the beach generated by an underwater earthquake where fifteen students and their teacher, Triscia Meade of the Montserrat Secondary School Form 3 Geography Class were having a field trip.

During the exercise conducted in real-time, the teacher observed the natural warning signs of an impending tsunami and informed the Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) via 911 of what the class had observed. The MFRS then notified the DMCA, and the sirens were sounded.

The students and their teacher analyzed the tsunami warning signs observed and took action by evacuating to higher ground as quickly as possible to an area on Isle Bay Hill designated as the Muster Point, and a physical head count was conducted.

The simulation tsunami exercise tested some aspects of the Montserrat warning and emergency communication system.

Director of the DMCA Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan highlighted that the simulation exercise was a resounding success. He applauded the level of coordination and readiness displayed by all DMCA staff, the Montserrat Fire and Rescue Service, the teacher and the students.

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan expressed that the exercise has helped the DMCA to identify areas where the agency could improve its response and strengthen coordination protocols for any tsunami threat.

Tsunami Simulation exercises are critical to test the DMCA response plans to maintain adequate emergency preparedness, especially in areas where tsunamis can have a very high impact. 

Montserrat has had tsunami events in the past generated by the eruption of the Soufriere Hills Volcano, and due to its geographical location in a seismically active area, some of the island’s coasts are vulnerable to tsunamis triggered by distant sources. There have been three (3) occasions when collapses of the dome at the Soufrière Hills entered the sea and generated tsunamis on Montserrat. They are the December 26, 1997 collapse in White River valley that generated a small tsunami in Old Road Bay and the collapses on July 13, 2003 and on May 20, 2006, that, generated wave heights around the Tar River Valley up to 6-8 metres. These tsunamis were very localized and would not have been seen at other locations.

A tsunami is caused by an underwater earthquake, volcanoes, or landslides, and can occur at any time of the year, day or night, but they are not very common (occurring approximately once per year). Tsunamis have claimed lives, demolished homes and destroyed communities across the world. In the past 100 years, 58 tsunamis have killed more than 260,000 people, higher than any other natural hazard.

The objectives of the CARIBEWAVE Exercise are to test and evaluate the operations of the Caribbean Tsunami Warning System, to validate preparedness response to a tsunami, and the use of the (Pacific Tsunami Warning Center enhanced tsunami products for the Caribbean, as well as assist in tsunami preparedness efforts of the emergency management agencies in those areas.

Lieutenant Colonel Alvin Ryan, Director of the Montserrat Disaster Management Coordination Agency, and Mr. Glenn Francis, Director of the Montserrat Red Cross will join other technical officers from across the region at a hybrid workshop in Saint Lucia from 21-22 March 2023, with the ultimate objective of mainstreaming the human security approach in disaster displacement and environmental migration policies in Montserrat and other OECS countries.

Lieutenant Colonel Ryan says “the actual threats that people struggle with following a natural disaster are similar to those of a man-made crisis such as armed conflict. Human security provides an alternative, human-centred perspective that focuses on securing and protecting individuals’ freedom from want and freedom from fear. Therefore, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a human security approach included in our national policies on disaster displacement and environmental migration.”

Participants at the workshop will be working to validate preliminary assessments of the extent to which the human security approach is included in national policies on disaster displacement and environmental migration and contribute to recommending ways to achieve greater integration of this people-centred approach.

Recognizing that climate change is causing increasingly severe weather events, and that we live in a volcanic and seismically active region, participants will also discuss best practices related to the cross-border movement of people affected by disasters in the OECS. These practices consider how complex hazards threaten the survival, livelihood and dignity of community members, particularly those who are most vulnerable when they are forced to move.

Cross-border evacuation protocols will also be discussed to better plan for the possibility of an increase in international movements derived from disasters and the role that the different actors play in accompanying these processes to ensure more effective outcomes for the people affected.

The human security approach goes beyond quick responses and is prevention oriented. By drilling down to determine the real causes of complex challenges (economic, health, personal, community, and political threats) that might confront people who are displaced internally, or forced to migrate because of disasters, and by building solutions that protect and empower the most vulnerable community, the project aims to systematize solutions through which affected individuals can feel more secure to move on with their lives.

The 21-22 March 2023 workshop will be hosted by the IOM in partnership with the donor – UN Trust Fund for Human Security (UNTFHS). Other contributing stakeholders include the OECS Commission, the UN Resident Coordinator Office for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and the Platform for Disaster Displacement (PDD).

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) has observed Sargassum Seaweed along the shorelines in Carr’s Bay, Little Bay and Marguerita Bay, and some of it was being washed ashore.

The stagnating seaweed is giving off hydrogen sulphide, and residents should not be concerned by the attendant stench in the affected areas.

Citizens, returning Montserratians, tourists, and all mariners are urged to be vigilant and exercise caution when on the beaches and avoid swimming into the Sargassum Seaweed when venturing out into the water.

Insects and jellyfish may be present in the Sargassum Seaweed, which could sting beachgoers. Therefore, swimmers should take extra care and the necessary precautions.

Sargassum is a genus of large brown seaweed (a type of algae) that floats in island-like masses.

DMCA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as deemed necessary in collaboration with the Fisheries Unit.

Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to be cautious and vigilant when venturing onto affected reefs and coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northeast coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately.

Timing: Until Monday.

sloping, nearshore areas.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and are affecting mainly the northern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate and will likely rise to high in 36 hours. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.5 to 3.0 metres (5 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4.0 metres (13 feet). Swell period: 10 to 15 seconds. Swells: North at 1.5 to 3.0 metres (5 to 10 feet) and occasionally higher.

Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Residents should continue to monitor the website and social media profiles of the Disaster Management Coordination (DMCA) for official weather forecasts, alerts, warnings and cancellations and information on the wide range of natural and man-made hazards that have the potential to impact Montserrat.

• 
  Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to use caution and remain vigilant when venturing onto affected reefs and coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk.
  
  Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northeast coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
  
  According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and affecting mainly the northern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate to high.
  
  Synopsis: These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.
  Seas (significant wave heights): 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.0 metres (10 feet). Swell period: 10 to 17 seconds. Swells: Northeast at 1.5 to 2.4 metres (5 to 8 feet) and occasionally higher. The highest swells are likely later today through Wednesday morning; a warning may be required.
  
  Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.
  Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.
  
  Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
  
  Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.
  
  Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.
  
  Please continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on the wide range of natural and man-made hazards that have the potential to impact Montserrat.

The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) and the Montserrat Port Authority (MPA) continue to upgrade the skills of their volunteers on Montserrat to respond to oil spill events onshore and offshore.

Three individuals from Montserrat received training in Ambipar Response in best practices for managing oil spill events in the British Virgin Islands this month.

They are Forestry Officer Lloyd Martin, Sergeant Melvin Lindsey of the Royal Montserrat Defence Force (RMDF) and Kayla Ryan of the Montserrat Port Authority.

Thirty-five participants from the Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos, as well as partners from the private sector, received training from Ambipar Response in best practices for managing oil spill events.

The sessions were held on February 8 to 10 and February 13 to 16 and covered the essentials of managing oil spill response including contingency planning, responder safety, spilt oil behaviour, oil containment and removal, and shoreline management.

The series of workshops were funded by the United Kingdom Maritime and Coastguard Agency through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund.

Source: BVIDDM

• Therefore, Spear and Shoreline Fishers are advised to use caution and remain vigilant when venturing onto affected reefs and coastlines as powerful waves can put your life at risk. The highest seas and swells are likely Friday and Saturday.
  
  Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northeast coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.
  
  Timing: Until Monday
  
  According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, Moderate long-period swells are reaching the area and affecting mainly the northern coastlines. The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is moderate. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.
  
  Seas (significant wave heights): 2.1 to 3.4 metres (7 to 11 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 4.0 metres (14 feet). Swell period: 9 to 14 seconds. Swells: North at 1.5 to 2.1 metres (5 to 7 feet) and occasionally higher.
  
  Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.
  
  Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.
  
  Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.
  
  Precautionary: Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south and west. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.
  
  Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, a combination of wind waves and wind swells is causing hazardous seas. Hence, Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

Synopsis: The threat level to the livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is moderate to high with the potential for significant impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Winds over open waters: East-northeast at 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 22 knots; 16 to 25 mph), with strong gusts to as high as 63 km/h (34 knots; 39 mph). Winds over the period Thursday night to Saturday will possibly range between 30 to 45 km/h (16 to 24 knots; 18 to 28 mph) with gusts to over gale-force or near 68 km/h (37 knots; 42 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 2.1 to 3.4 metres(7 to 11 feet), occasionally or locally reaching over 4.0 metres (14 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.5 to 2.4 metres or 5 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Please continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on the wide range of natural and man-made hazards that have the potential to impact Montserrat.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, A combination of wind waves and wind swells is causing hazardous seas. Hence, Inexperienced mariners, especially those operating smaller vessels should avoid navigating in these conditions.

Synopsis: The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of mariners is moderate to high with the potential for significant to extensive impacts. A small craft advisory means that wind speeds of 21 to 33 knots and or wind waves and or wind swells of 7 feet or greater are occurring or imminent.

Winds over open waters: East at 26 to 41 km/h (14 to 20 knots; 16 to 23 mph), with strong gusts to as high as 57 km/h (31 knots; 36 mph).

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 2.7 metres (6 to 9 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 3.5 metres (12 feet). Wind waves and or wind swells: 1.5 to 2.1 metres or 5 to 8 feet and occasionally higher. The dominant wind wave period is 6 to 9 seconds.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life at sea; injuries to mariners; capsize or damage or loss of vessels and marine equipment; financial losses; disruption of fisheries and scarcity of fish products and disruption to marine transportation.

Please continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on the wide range of natural and man-made hazards that have the potential to impact Montserrat.

According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, moderate long-period swells are expected to reach the area and affect mainly the northern, north facing and eastern coastlines. Therefore, Beachgoers, especially to the mainly affected coastlines, should be extremely cautious; bathe only where lifeguards are present or on the sheltered, less affected beaches, mainly to the south. Extreme caution is also required by those using the affected non-beach or rocky coastlines.

Locations to be affected: Reefs and exposed northern, north-facing and eastern coastlines with relatively shallow, gently to moderately sloping, nearshore areas.

Synopsis: The threat level to the life, livelihood, property and infrastructure of those using the affected coastlines is forecast to rise to moderate to high with the potential for significant to extensive impacts. These swells could cause life-threatening surfs and rip currents on affected coastlines. A high surf advisory means that dangerous surfs of 2 to 3 metres or 6 to 10 feet will affect some coastlines in the advisory area, producing hazardous conditions.

Seas (significant wave heights): 1.8 to 3.0 metres (6 to 10 feet), occasionally or locally reaching near 4.0 metres (13 feet). Swell period: 9 to 14 seconds. Swells: North Monday, shifting northeast Tuesday at 1.8 to 2.7 metres (6 to 9 feet) and occasionally higher. The highest swells are likely on Monday when the advisory will likely be upgraded to a warning for some areas.

Surfs (breaking swells): Over 2 metres (over 6 feet). These conditions are conducive for dangerous rip currents. Please note that surfs could be as much as twice the height of swells, depending on the bathymetry of the nearshore areas.

Coastal flooding: High tides combined with onshore wind and swell actions could result in localized coastal flooding and beach erosion.

Potential Impacts: Loss of life–strong currents that can carry even the strongest swimmers out to sea; injuries to beachgoers; beach erosion; sea water splashing onto low-lying coastal roads; beach closures; localized disruptions to marine recreation and businesses; financial losses; damage to coral reefs; saltwater intrusion and disruptions to potable water from desalination. High surfs can knock spectators off exposed rocks and jetties.

Rip currents are powerful channels of water flowing quickly away from shore, which occur most often at low spots or breaks in the sandbar and near structures such as groins, jetties and piers. If caught in a rip current, relax and float. Don`t swim against the current. If able, swim in a direction following the shoreline. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

Please continue to monitor DMCA Facebook, Instagram and Twitter social media sites and our website http://dmca.gov.ms for daily weather updates, public advisories and warnings and information on the wide range of natural and man-made hazards that have the potential to impact Montserrat.