CDEMA Concerned About Severe Weather Events, Drought, COVID-19

(Jamaica Observer) ACTING executive director of the Barbados-based Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) Elizabeth Riley, classifying the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season as “one with a difference”, says the entity is focused on ensuring it can navigate a multi-hazard situation in light of the current novel coronavirus pandemic.

“This is a hurricane season with a difference, because not only are we seeking to address and manage the threats that are associated with not just hurricanes but also with severe weather events, we also are dealing with the reality of a prolonged drought and the additional complexity of COVID-19,” Riley told a virtual press conference yesterday from CDEMA’s base in Barbados.

She said CDEMA has developed a comprehensive operational readiness programme which comprises, among other things, training exercises and scenario planning in preparation for any eventuality.

“Given the roll-out of the various scenarios this year with the drought [and] COVID-19, we have taken a more proactive approach to the operational readiness programme,” Riley said.

Read more at: Jamaica Observer

Source: CARICOM TODAY