PM Terrance Drew attends NEOC meeting and aims to prepare country for natural disasters

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: On the request of the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) undertook a three-day National Hurricane Preparedness and Response Simulation exercise with a vision to prepare the country for the uncertain situations such as natural disaster.

On a successful note, this three-day simulation exercise began on 17^th July and concluded on 19^th with engaging and healthy discussions and assessments between the delegates. The discussions during the exercise revolved around the potential impact of a fictional Hurricane Ingrid on the country and the measures that can be undertaken by the nation to avoid the devastations caused due to it.

The Prime Minister also stressed on the need for preparing all the countrymen to be prepared for uncertain situations and be vigilant towards it.

“We have to be ready for any eventuality,” noted PM Drew.

Notably, the first day of the exercise began with a pre-strike meeting at National Emergency Management Agency Headquarters. The Prime Minister on whose request, this exercise was initiated actively participated in the first two days and shed light on the measures that can be implemented in order to tackle the challenges and risks during unforeseen situations.

He also added that this exercise helped them in assessing the requirement of financial resources for improving the nation’s readiness.

Meanwhile, the final day concluded with the assessment presented by the leaders of NEOC sub-committees, who showcased the extent to which the damage could occur to different sectors and projected the resuming of the services.

Following that, the Cabinet Ministers and NEOC officials visited several locations that were impacted by the storm including Irish Town Bay Road, where flooding resulted in significant sand deposit onto the road. Following that, the delegates visited a residential area in Cayon where land slippage occurred and at last, they visited Stone Fort where the crew members were clearing fallen trees and debris that rendered the road impassable.

Also, the Prime Minister Terrance Drew called this three-day simulation exercise “a valuable insight.” As, it highlighted the areas where the necessary improvement is required to be implemented with a vision to keep all the citizens of the country safe and informed during the times of natural calamities.