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by pltm
(PLTM) - The Virgin Islands was well engaged in an earthquake and tsunami exercise this morning, March 21, facilitated by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).
Around 10:00 am this morning, schools, statutory bodies and persons of the private and public sectors on the inhabited islands of the BVI, were seen practicing their earthquake drill---drop, cover and hold on, in addition to heading to high grounds, which is a major part of the safety drill in the event of a tsunami.
Viona Smith, Information and Education Manager at DDM stated that the drill was based on a 8.5 magnitude earthquake, which is capable of triggering a tsunami.
She added that the Territory-wide drill commenced following the sounding of sirens, which signaled the warning of an earthquake and tsunami.
The sirens were followed with emergency messages from the department via on television, radio, social media, VHS communications, smart radios and sms messages from the various local providers.
The objective of the exercise was to allow emergency managers and members of the community to test, validate and update their tsunami response plan. It also acts as an opportunity for individuals to test their level of preparedness and to get more persons prepared for a tsunami and earthquake.
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