PM Philip Pierre urged citizens to be prepared for Hurricane Beryl

Castries, Saint Lucia: Prime Minister Philip Pierre addressed the nation on Saint Lucia’s preparedness for Hurricane Beryl and asked the citizens to remain cautious and take precautionary measures in order to safeguard them from disastrous effects of natural calamity.

While addressing the nation, PM Pierre stated that Hurricane Beryl had intensified into an extremely dangerous category for Hurricane. He stated that the possibility of this extreme weather event would test the true spirit of the nation. The leader further asserted that it is the time that every citizen should spread compassion, generosity and love among each other, especially to the vulnerable community.

During his address, PM Pierre added that Hurricane Beryl is described by forecasters as extremely dangerous. It  could cause potentially catastrophic damage from high winds with a life-threatening storm surge as high as 16 feet above normal tide levels. Therefore, he asked the residents in low lying areas and along the coast should take extra precautions.

He further added that fisherman should secure their vessels and livestock owners should make the necessary arrangement with a motive to protect the animals.

Moreover, PM Pierre also shed light on his meeting with NEMAC and stated that he chaired a pre-strike committee to continue their preparations and assessments of solutions preparedness in order to safeguard their citizens from Hurricane Beryl. He stated that it is the foremost duty of his administration to keep their every citizen safe and secure.

Therefore, he urged all the 18 districts disaster management committees across the island to follow all protocols established by National Emergency Management Organization. The NEMO develops, test and implement several preventive measures to protect the population of Saint Lucia from several effects of both natural and man-made disasters.

As per the National Hurricane Centre, life-threatening winds and storm surges can affect Saint Lucia when they move over the Windward Islands, and the beryl is anticipated to produce rainfall between 3 and 6 inches over the island nation.

Thus, the NEMO has asked all the citizens to secure their significant documents in waterproof containers. They have also been asked to drink enough of water and keep the first-aid kit ready. They also stated that the residents should stock up on batteries for flashlights and portable radios and ensure mobile devices and portable charges are fully recovered.

The citizens have also been advised to remain indoors and away from glass windows/ doors once tropical hurricane-force winds affect the area.