17 SHELTERS HAVE BEEN ACTIVATED AHEAD OF IMMINENT TROPICAL CYCLONE Tuesday 21st August 2012
The National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) has put on notice residents living in low-lying and coastal areas of the possible threat by the imminent approach of a tropical cyclone #9, for Antigua & Barbuda.
Already, the Disaster Co-ordinators in the 17 districts are on alert and at least (1) shelter in each constituency, including Barbuda will be opened at 6.p.m., on Tuesday 21 August 2012.
Director of NODS, Philmore Mullin, warned residents to make appropriate preparation for the cyclone, including evacuation of vulnerable areas where necessary.
Mullin stressed, that it is important that interests throughout the area of an alert make preparations to protect life and property, and do not disregard it on the strength of the detailed forecast track. Tropical cyclones are not points, and forecasting their track remains an uncertain science.
“We are appealing to residents living in low lying areas to ire on the side of caution. Seek higher grounds with relatives, friends, or within the public shelters that are expected to be open 6 p.m., this afternoon,” said Mullin.
Among the areas; cited as flood prone areas are Bolans, Bath Lodge, Bendals Road, Part of Bethesda, Part of Piccadilly, Cobbs Cross, Yorks Village, Sweetes (Areas close to the water courses), Liberta (Areas close to the water courses), St. John’s (New Street to Tanner Street). Grays Farm, Villa and Point Area (Wilkinson’s Cross, St. John’s and Dickenson Bay Streets) , Mc Kinnons, Cedar Grove, Cassada Gardens, Old Parham Road, Airport Road, All Saints (Especially the Mc Pond area), John Hughes (The Folly’s Ghaut area), Gunthorpes, Blackmans, Paynters East and Paynters West, Pigotts (The perimeter especially from the Burma Road side), Freetown, Jennings, Blue Heron Hotel – Area (Crabb Hill), Lagoon and Marl Hole Area in Barbuda.
Residents are further urged, to finalize preparations by ensuring that all apparatus for their family First Aid Kit, is in tack.
- Persons on medications are also asked to stock up on supplies
- Persons with intentions to move into shelters are also asked pack adequate food supplies and drinking water at least for the first 72 hours.
- Parents with children should ensure that minors are as comfortable, as possible
Meanwhile, as NODS continue to monitor the system, residents are advised to pay strict attention to the weather updates and follow the specifics guidelines given by the relevant agencies and authorities.
Please be advised of the possibility of strong winds to impact Antigua & Barbuda, and the necessary steps must be taken to secure loose or flying objects.
In the event that power-lines are down, every effort must be made to avoid them since down lines could be life –threatening.
The MET Office has forecasted that the system could dump approximately, 4 to 8 inches of rain on the island; therefore, residents are discouraged from venturing into flood waters, to stave off the risks on infectious water-borne diseases and potential drowning.
Motorists are also warned to desist from sight-seeing, in the aftermath of the predicted system, as their presence on the grounds could hamper the emergency respondents.
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