Grenada partners with Caribbean and neighboring areas for Caribe Wave 24

Grenada will participate in Caribe Wave 24, a tsunami exercise for the Caribbean and adjacent regions, scheduled for March 21, 2024. The exercise, which began in 2011, allows emergency management organizations to test their communication lines, review response procedures, and promote tsunami preparedness. The National Disaster Management Agency (NaDMA) will participate in the exercise based on a scenario of a magnitude 8.47 earthquake generating a tsunami. The objectives include evaluating communication between the regional tsunami service provider and member states, as well as testing the National Tsunami Warning Protocol.

During Caribe Wave 24, NaDMA will focus on promoting tsunami awareness, preparedness, and response, while testing operational plans to ensure effective tools and response mechanisms are in place. Participants will be educated on early warning systems, evacuation routes, and muster points, as well as evaluating the implementation of the Tsunami Ready Program. Public and private stakeholders will participate in the exercise, testing aspects of their tsunami plans, which may include full or partial evacuation and communication drills.

The exercise aims to test and evaluate the tsunami procedures and programs within member states and territories, as well as to enhance the effectiveness of tsunami warning systems. NaDMA will play a key role in ensuring that the National Tsunami Warning Protocol is tested and that stakeholders are educated on appropriate response measures. The overall goal is to improve preparedness, response, and communication in the event of a tsunami, with a focus on promoting public safety and minimizing the potential impact of such a natural disaster in the region.

Caribe Wave 24 provides an opportunity for participants to engage in hands-on training and preparedness activities, including testing their evacuation plans and communication strategies. By participating in the exercise, stakeholders can identify areas for improvement in their tsunami response plans and collaborate with other organizations to strengthen overall preparedness. The exercise also serves as a platform for sharing best practices and lessons learned, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and coordinated response to tsunamis in the region.

Overall, Caribe Wave 24 highlights the importance of regional collaboration and coordination in enhancing tsunami preparedness and response efforts. By participating in the exercise, Grenada and other countries in the Caribbean and adjacent regions can strengthen their communication networks, test their response capabilities, and promote public awareness of tsunami risks. Through continued participation in exercises like Caribe Wave, emergency management organizations can better prepare for potential disasters and work together to mitigate the impact on communities and infrastructure.