Antigua & Barbuda prepares for Tropical Storm Ernesto, shelters open for residents

Tropical Storm Ernesto as foreseen to effect Antigua and Barbuda, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has declared several shelters and centers open for the community.

Large spaces are to be prepared for possible consequences, such as heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential floods. People are urged to go to shelters in case of need.

Shelters will be made available from August 13 through various areas for the region’s temporary safety and protection against the storm’s harm. The designated shelters are:

1. St John’s Rural East – Clare Hall Secondary School
2. St George – Pigotts Primary School
3. St Paul – St Paul’s Empowerment Center
4. Barbuda – Fisheries Complex
5. St Mary’s South – Bolans Wesleyan Holiness Church
6. St John’s Rural West – University of the West Indies Campus Gymnasium
7. St John’s Rural South – Tindale Seventh Day Adventist Church
8. St John’s Rural North – Cedar Grove Government Creche and Yorks Community Centre
9. St John’s City West – Villa Baptist Church
10. St Phillips North – Seaglans Central Seventh-Day Adventist Church
11. St John’s City South – Ottos Comprehensive School
12. All Saints West – Sea View Farm Primary School

People intending to go to the shelter should remember that food, water and blankets and any other needful item have to be taken along since they will not be availed at the shelter. Particularly vulnerable, likely the elderly or with disabilities who may need to have a caretaker should be considered and accompanied by a family member.

Also, pets are not allowed in the listed shelters, therefore, people who owns pets must make their own arrangements beforehand.

The upcoming Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to cause substantial disturbance of the weather: enhanced rainfall and powerful wind that can cause local flooding and voltage instabilities. For this reason, NODS encourages all residents to use all means possible to safeguard themselves and their families.

These shelters have been opened in a bid to ensure that all people get a safe place to lay during the storm. In this way, the residents of a shelter are urged to contribute to the orderly functioning of the process with the help of rules established in the shelter and proper preparation.

As the tropical storm Ernesto continues to form, authorities are on alert and further updates will be issued as necessary. Citizens are urged to listen to the broadcast and adhere to all the measures issued by the government in order to minimize the outcomes of the storm and protect people.

National Office of Disaster Services to retain its cooperation for the management of the catastrophe response and for ensuring support to the society in the conditions of this type of weather.