SEISMIC ACTIVITY in the Caribbean continues to rise, and head of the University of the West Indies Seismic Research Unit, Dr Joan Latchman, has again cautioned Barbadians to be prepared.
There were two major quakes in 2015 – both of which were felt here – and Latchman revealed there had been more than 400 aftershocks.
“Based on what has been occurring in the region, based on some of the research that we have done at our centre, the pattern of magnitude output that we are seeing suggests to us that we are ripe for the occurrence of larger magnitude earthquakes,” she said during a seminar here last week.
Latchman said authorities needed measures for response and recovery and at an individual level, people should be prepared and know what to do in the event of an earthquake.
Online readers agreed it was good to be prepared.
JC Payne: Of course, all of the regional geothermal drilling and oil drilling (both of which cause earthquakes); only a matter of time.
Stacey Guerra: One should use wisdom and be prepared for any possible disaster, not because of fear of the unknown, but because of the unknowns themselves. Nothing wrong with having extra medication, food, water, cash, a basic first aid kit and training readily available.
Alejuandro Tezu: As good as this is, Barbadians in particular are seriously lacking the education and training in case of an earthquake/tsunami. This should be implemented from since pre-school to university education and general population to hold a drill once or twice a year throughout the busy areas like Town, Warrens and so on. So it can be embedded in one’s mind what to instinctively do in case this situation arises.
Kacia Hall-Mayers: Look, I honestly would love something to surprise you all seriously so you all can wake up . . . . People can only predict, they are not God. Always be prepared even if nothing happens, but a lot of us are going to be caught off guard. Just wait.
Jonathan Lynch: Even with best technology, no one can predict the future accurately. Rather than being critical of the when and where or her hairdo, maybe energy is better spent on preparing yourself structure-wise, emergency supplies and so forth so that if it does happen, you’re not caught with your pants down, so to speak. You’ve already experienced a taste of what earthquakes are so you know it’s not that far-fetched.
Rosemarie de Montbrun: Well, all the person is saying is to be ready. Do any of you have an emergency kit? This may sound stupid but you should have some water, tin foods and non-perishable stuff. Don’t be a fool; just do it.
Kenrick Purcell: The only preparation people can do in case of an earthquake is build as strong as possible and know where to run when one hits.
River Vanderbilt: Since we are having small earthquakes all over the Caribbean, common sense says that something big is coming.
Dwayne Mark Scott: Typical Bajans in a bubble about everything. First the economy warning, and now this.
Sherrylyn Toppin is The Nation’s Online Editor.