Kisean Joseph
As Antiguans and Barbudans brace for the impact of a weather system that may impact the country and the rest of the Leeward Islands as a minimal tropical storm, the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) said has taken the necessary preparations and is urging residents to familiarise themselves with the list of shelters that are open in their area.
NODS is also urging family members to assist as much as possible to get individuals to the shelters or wherever they have to go.
“There are a number of rules at the shelters and the shelter managers will ensure that those rules are enforced. We also ask that persons cooperate fully,” said NODS Public Relations Officer, Midcie Francis.
“In the past, the Disabilities Association has worked with NODS to provide transportation to vulnerable persons, working alongside the District Disaster Coordinators who are volunteers within the various districts,” she added.
However, while not all shelters may be open, NODS has given the assurance that, in the event of an emergency, at least one shelter in each district will be operational.
Therefore, it is imperative for individuals to proactively locate and make their way to the nearest shelter for their safety.
“We have been in contact with the District Disaster Coordinators to ensure that the various shelter managers are aware of what’s going to be happening,” Francis added.
“I can’t give you a specific number now as to how many shelters would be open, but we would get the information from our coordinators, and we would make that information available to the public.
“We have 50 shelters that have been inspected this year and approved.”
In the 5pm update yesterday, the National Hurricane Center advised that the system had developed into Tropical Storm Ernesto and was expected to bring tropical storm force winds and heavy rainfall to portions of the Leeward Islands as of late Monday night.
As a result, Tropical Storm Warnings were issued for Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, Montserrat, Guadeloupe, St Maarten, and St Barthelemy, British and US Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra.
