Bermuda will join other localities in the Caribbean as a participant in a tsunami response exercise tomorrow [Mar.23]
The purpose of this exercise is to evaluate local tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region.
“The 2011 Japan earthquake and Pacific-wide tsunami have reminded the world again of the urgent need to be more prepared for such events,” said Dr. Mark Guishard, Director of the Bermuda Weather Service.
“This important exercise will test the current procedures of the Tsunami Warning System and help identify operational strengths and weaknesses in each community.”
The exercise, titled CARIBE WAVE 11/LANTEX 11, will simulate a widespread Tsunami Warning and Watch situation throughout the Caribbean which requires implementation of local tsunami response plans. It is the first such international exercise in the Caribbean region. The exercise will include public notification, via the dissemination channels routinely used for weather information.
The exercise will simulate a major earthquake and tsunami generated 25 miles southeast of Fajardo, Puerto Rico and 55 miles southeast of San Juan, Puerto Rico at 10:00am Atlantic Daylight Time on March 23, 2011. Tsunami messages will be issued to the relevant local agencies from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, the interim Regional Tsunami Watch Provider for the non-US countries in the Caribbean Sea and Adjacent Regions.
Participants in this exercise include the Bermuda Weather Service [operated by BAS-Serco Ltd. on behalf of the Government of Bermuda], Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre, Bermuda Police Service, and the Department of Airport Operations.
The exercise is sponsored by the UNESCO/IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions, the Caribbean Emergency Management Agency, the Centro de Coordinación para la Prevención de los Desastres Naturales en América Central, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and by the U.S. National Tsunami Hazard Mitigation Program.
