Prime Minister Drew warns of an intense hurricane season and calls on SKN to prepare

Residents of St. Kitts and Nevis have been told to make necessary preparations for this year’s hurricane season.

In a speech on Saturday, Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew told the Islanders that forecasts predict the season will be above average and will exhibit characteristics of some of the most intense years on record, including 1878, 1926, 1998, 2010 and 2020.

“I urge all citizens to prepare diligently. Make sure you have an emergency plan in place, and if you don’t, contact the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for guidance and assistance,” he said.

“Stock up on essentials, ensure your belongings are secured and insured, and stay informed through reliable sources of weather updates, such as the local Met Service and local disaster management offices. Our emergency services are ready to respond, but individual preparedness is critical to minimize risks and ensure safety.”

The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season began on June 1 and is expected to last until November 30.

Forecasters from Colorado State University and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) say there is a good chance the hurricane season will be above normal.

The region can expect between 17 and 25 named storms to develop, with winds of 60 km per hour or higher. Between four and seven of those storms are expected to become major hurricanes.

The Prime Minister noted that the active season can be attributed to climate change.

Drew said collaboration between the government and the private sector has begun in an effort to streamline preparation and response to tropical cyclones.

“Our national subcommittees have met and conducted activities to prepare the country’s infrastructure, ensure that our social programs are adequate and that our environmental conditions are resilient to the impact of these potential cyclones. These activities include clearing waterways, known as ghauts, our drainage networks, and ensuring that emergency shelters are in a habitable condition,” he said.

“Some of our critical sectors, such as healthcare, tourism, agriculture, telecommunications and utilities, among many others, are continuously working to ensure they remain ready to respond and recover from any eventuality . Our food service suppliers and distributors have assured us that they have sufficient food supplies to sustain us through the hurricane season. In addition, our air and seaports are continuously improving their resilience to the threats and risks associated with cyclone hazards.”

Drew said he hopes St. Kitts and Nevis remains a resilient nation and that the country escapes the effects of storms.