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Saint
Lucia is confronted with a variety of natural hazards, the most
critical of which are hurricanes, inland flooding, coastal flooding,
earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and wildland fires. In combination
with a high population density and resource-intensive development,
this creates a relatively high incidence and risk of natural
and technological hazards.
Hurricanes are the most likely and most destructive hazards
to impact the island. There has been an explosive increase in
the number of buildings, many of them on stilts, on hillsides
and high slopes, as well as subsequent removal of stabilising
vegetation.
Inland flooding is also significant. The island's steep topography,
nonporous rock base, clayey soils and ever-increasing development
of roads and other impermeable surfaces exacerbate the run-off
from heavy rains and limit the percolation of rainwater. Furthermore,
while an adequate drainage system one-time existed, the urban
development of the past two decades has eliminated or altered
many of the drainage ditches. Loss of natural vegetation also
contributes to increased run-off and flooding, as does increased
construction close to riverbanks.
Located near the eastern side of the Caribbean plate, Saint
Lucia is furthermore susceptible to earthquakes and seismic
hazards. The strongest was felt in 1953 and measured 7.5 on
the Richter scale. Seismic hazard-tsunamis or seismic induced
sea waves also pose a serious risk. Concern also exists over
the possibility of oil spills, especially by oil tankers and
cruise vessels which are in transit through the coastal waters
of the Caribbean.
The most damaging recent disaster was The Wave of October 26,
1996, which caused serious damage in the village on Anse la
Raye and the town of Soufriére. The losses have been
estimated to be more than EC$230 million. Tropical storm Debbie
of September 9, 1994, has also had a serious impact not only
on the island itself, but also on its awareness of disaster
risk and its commitment to prevention. Hurricanes occur frequently,
damaging the marine and coastal community and especially the
livelihoods of the fishing communities. The
importance of disaster prevention, preparedness and mitigation
is a major theme for the national government. The National
Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) coordinates disaster
responses, and also focuses on preparedness, prevention and
mitigation. It is currently implementing and further developing
the National Hazard Mitigation Plan, which incorporates analysis
of past storms and of the hazards that may occur in the future,
and surveys the capability of the Saint Lucian Government
and associated agencies potentially involved in disaster mitigation.
Furthermore, there is a National.
Emergency Management Advisory Committee and a National Hazard
Mitigation Council. The latter is a coordinating body chaired
by the Minister of Works and includes representatives from
the Ministries of Physical Development, Education, Health,
Agriculture and Tourism, as well as from the Chamber of Commerce
and NEMO-Secretariat. The National Emergency Management Plan
is designed as the official guideline for a national coordination
of all resources involved in emergency management and is to
be referred to in any emergency situation. It also provides
for rapid response through the maximum use of local, national,
regional and international resources. A Disaster Preparedness
and Response Act, based on the CDERA Model, was approved in
2000. In case of a proclamation of a State of Emergency, an
Emergency Powers (Disasters) Act can be invoked by the Governor
General, thus providing the national disaster coordinator
with specific powers for the requisition of resources. An
emergency fund for disaster response has been set up, and
there is a network of community storage facilities for emergency
relief items under the control of the district disaster committees
of NEMO. Public awareness programmes have been set up through
the use of public service announcements.
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