These floods, composed of fast-moving water and volcanic debris, can occur suddenly and unpredictably.
Extreme caution is advised when crossing the Belham Valley during heavy or prolonged rainfall, as lahars can form rapidly, posing serious safety risks.
The DMCA expressed gratitude to its technicians and Montserrat Utilities Limited for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the successful commissioning of the new generator.
The generator, installed on the DMCA compound, is one of two generators procured for the new Glendon Hospital project. The hospital project management team agreed to temporarily connect one of the generators to ensure a reliable power supply for both the hospital and DMCA.
On World Meteorology Day, the DMCA recognizes and honours the invaluable work of meteorologists from the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Service and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). The DMCA also acknowledges the dedicated staff at the Air Traffic Control Tower at John A. Osborne Airport for their meteorological assistance when needed
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) hosted a tsunami awareness event at Lookout Primary School today, Thursday, March 20, 2025, as part of the annual CARIBE WAVE Exercise. The event engaged students from Grades 4, 5, and 6, aiming to strengthen tsunami preparedness efforts in Montserrat, the Caribbean, and surrounding regions.
DMCA Information and Education Officer Shirlian Queeley, emphasized that while no evacuation drills were scheduled for today, it is crucial for children—one of the most vulnerable groups in our communities and future leaders—to receive firsthand information about tsunami risks. She stressed that this knowledge ensures students know how to respond if they ever face a potential tsunami threat, especially while at the beach.
Beyond immediate preparedness, Miss Queeley highlighted that students will develop lifelong knowledge, enhancing their resilience against various hazards and contributing to a more disaster-ready Montserrat.
Regular CARIBE WAVE Exercises play a key role in testing response agencies’ operational readiness and keeping the public informed and prepared for real events. These exercises align with the objectives of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the Early Warnings for All initiative.
Additionally, Miss Queeley noted that students from Grades 4 to 6 had the opportunity to learn more about emergency preparedness and win prizes.
As a fundamental tsunami preparedness rule: “Once you receive a warning, head to higher ground.”
Yellow Hill Road: Today, Sunday, October 13, 2024, the Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) joins the global community in observing International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future.”
This theme resonates with the DMCA’s long-term commitment to equip Montserrat’s youth with the knowledge and skills necessary to take timely and effective actions to reduce their risks to various natural and technological hazards, in order to save lives and assist others. Through ongoing initiatives such as tsunami and earthquake drills, youth engagement in disaster risk reduction activities, and the annual DMCA Hurricane Preparedness Summer Programme, the agency works to build resilience across generations.
While the DMCA’s support for youth is continuous, the agency is particularly proud of its role in assisting volunteers like Darenthea Sweeney, who is passionate about disaster management and addressing the effects of climate change on Montserrat. Ms. Sweeney recently completed the Caribbean Climate Justice Leaders course, organized by Island Innovation, and represented Montserrat at a Climate Change and Health Workshop in Guyana. She plans to pursue postgraduate studies in Crisis and Disaster Management and Climate Change, furthering her impact in these critical areas.
Similarly, the DMCA continues to support and assist TiVonne Howe, a dedicated young Montserratian pursuing her doctorate in volcanology. Ms. Howe’s commitment to understanding volcanic hazards and minimizing their effects on communities reflects her deep passion for disaster resilience. The DMCA remains dedicated to helping her complete her studies and contribute to Montserrat’s disaster preparedness.
Recognizing that today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow, the DMCA collaborates year-round with educators—from early childhood to tertiary levels—and community groups to promote disaster awareness and preparedness. These efforts are designed to empower the next generation with the tools to build a greener, safer, and more climate-resilient Montserrat.
As we observe this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, the DMCA reaffirms its ongoing dedication to nurturing youth as future leaders in resilience. By providing them with the skills and knowledge to respond to the impacts of both natural and man-made hazards, and to adapt to climate change, we are making a long-term investment in Montserrat’s safety and resilience. With the energy and innovation of our youth, we can build a future where our communities are better prepared for the challenges ahead. The work we do every day helps shape the resilient Montserrat of tomorrow.
About the DMCA
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the lead agency responsible for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in Montserrat. Through proactive planning, public education, and timely information dissemination, the DMCA works to minimize risks and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Montserrat.
Media Contact:
Shirlian Queeley
Information and Education Officer
DMCA
Phone: 1-664-491-7166
Email: queeleys@gov.ms
A stakeholder engagement session was held on Friday, 11 October 2024, in Montserrat, aimed at equipping drone operators and key agencies with the skills necessary to operate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) within the framework of the Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Programme.
The use of UAS technology in disaster management has seen significant growth in recent years, offering critical capabilities in the aftermath of natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and floods. These systems provide vital support for aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, damage assessments, mapping, communication, coordination, and the delivery of essential supplies during emergencies.
With the support of Global Support and Development (GSD), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) has launched the “UAS for Humanitarian Operations Consultancy.” This initiative aims to establish a UAS component within the CDM Programme across all CDEMA participating states.
The programme seeks to create an internationally recognized certification for UAS operators, producing a highly trained cadre of facilitators and operators. These individuals will be equipped with regional certifications, necessary permissions, and comprehensive knowledge, enabling them to respond effectively to emergencies and support the Regional Response Mechanism (RRM) in all phases of CDM operations.
Led by CDEMA’s Regional Training Centre, the initiative is being conducted in collaboration with the University of the West Indies, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Councils, UNICEF Drone Academy, and the National Institute for Science and Technology. These institutions are responsible for overseeing the programme’s standardization, evaluation, certification, and accreditation processes.
CDEMA envisions that this initiative will strengthen efforts toward a more resilient Caribbean, one that is better equipped to address the risks and losses associated with natural and technological hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change. This initiative aligns with the region’s goals for long-term sustainable development.
The workshop, held at the DMCA conference room, was facilitated by Consultant Lavern Rogers-Ryan of LRR Geospatial Consultancy.
About the DMCA
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the lead agency responsible for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in Montserrat. Through proactive planning, public education, and timely information dissemination, the DMCA works to minimize risks and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Montserrat.
Media Contact:
Shirlian Queeley
Information and Education Officer
DMCA
Phone: 1-664-491-7166
Email: queeleys@gov.ms
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is excited to announce the official launch of Montserrat Weather on social media, a new initiative aimed at providing the public with up-to-date, Montserrat-specific weather information.
Montserrat Weather is now live on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, with plans to add a dedicated weather extension on the DMCA’s official website at dmca.gov.ms.
This platform is part of the DMCA’s ongoing efforts to streamline its communication strategy, enabling its primary social media channels to focus on the core functions of disaster risk reduction. These core functions include prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases. By creating dedicated platforms for Montserrat Weather, the DMCA can ensure weather updates receive full public attention without overwhelming the disaster management content.
“Time-critical information shared through our social media platforms during an emergency can help save lives,” said Shirlian Queeley, Information and Education Officer at the DMCA. “Having Montserrat Weather as a separate entity allows us to better manage and disseminate weather-specific updates while keeping a clear focus on disaster management communications.”
With weather patterns playing a crucial role in disaster preparedness and response, Montserrat Weather will provide real-time updates, forecasts, and alerts to ensure residents remain informed and prepared for any situation. The separation of Montserrat Weather from the DMCA’s main platforms ensures that both weather-related and disaster management content are communicated effectively, without confusion.
The DMCA encourages all residents and visitors to follow Montserrat Weather on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for timely weather updates. Those not on social media can tune in to ZJB Radio for daily weather reports.
For more information, visit dmca.gov.ms or contact the DMCA at 1-664-491-7166.
About the DMCA
The Disaster Management Coordination Agency (DMCA) is the lead agency responsible for disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery in Montserrat. Through proactive planning, public education, and timely information dissemination, the DMCA works to minimize risks and ensure the safety and well-being of the people of Montserrat.
Media Contact:
Shirlian Queeley
Information and Education Officer
DMCA
Phone: 1-664-491-7166
Email: queeleys@gov.ms
September is the month we love to hate and hate to love – a stark reminder that, as Montserratians, we must not allow the trials of September 17th to dampen our spirits. Instead, let them inspire us to stay prepared for all natural and man-made hazards, avoid complacency, remain vigilant, and stay informed.
