Introduction to Tsunamis and the CARIBE WAVE Exercise

A tsunami is a tidal wave, which can cause devastation when it hits land. Photo by Matt Paul Catalano on UnSplash.

What is the CARIBE WAVE Exercise?

The fourteenth annual CARIBE WAVE exercise is scheduled for March 20, 2025, at 1500 UTC. This event aims to enhance tsunami preparedness across the Caribbean and adjacent regions.

The “Caribe Wave” exercise is an annual tsunami preparedness drill conducted in the Caribbean region. It tests emergency response systems, communication methods, and evacuation plans in case of a real tsunami. Governments, emergency agencies, and communities across the Caribbean participate to improve readiness, test alert systems, and raise public awareness about tsunami threats.

Objective and Participation

The exercise involves simulated tsunami scenarios to ensure that countries can respond quickly and effectively if an actual tsunami occurs.

Organized by the UNESCO/IOC Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (ICG/CARIBE-EWS), the exercise provides an opportunity for countries to test their emergency response systems, communication protocols, and evacuation procedures.

Scenarios for the Exercise

This year’s exercise offers two distinct scenarios for participants to choose from.

The first simulates a tsunami generated by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault Zone near Jamaica.

The second scenario envisions a tsunami resulting from a magnitude 8.6 earthquake located approximately 270 km off the coast of Portugal. Each participating country selects the scenario that best aligns with its specific objectives and regional considerations.

Country-Specific Participation

In the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) will engage in the exercise by simulating the Portugal earthquake scenario.

VITEMA emphasizes the importance of community involvement and encourages residents, businesses, schools, and organizations to participate actively. Activities include reviewing or practicing tsunami evacuation plans, conducting discussions on tsunami preparedness, and familiarizing oneself with evacuation routes to higher ground.

Similarly, Bermuda’s Ministry of National Security, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team (DRRMT), will conduct the CARIBE WAVE 25 Tsunami Exercise on March 20 at 11:00 AM local time.

Conclusion and Impact

Overall, CARIBE WAVE 2025 serves as a critical tool for enhancing regional collaboration and readiness in the face of potential tsunami threats.

By engaging in these simulated scenarios, countries can identify strengths and areas for improvement in their emergency response frameworks, ultimately aiming to safeguard lives and property throughout the Caribbean and adjacent regions.

Sources: BVI GIS, OpenAI.

Conclusion

The CARIBE WAVE exercise plays a vital role in promoting tsunami preparedness and enhancing emergency response systems across the Caribbean region. By participating in this annual drill, countries can improve their readiness and response capabilities, ultimately reducing the risk of devastation from tsunami events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the purpose of the CARIBE WAVE exercise?

A: The purpose of the CARIBE WAVE exercise is to enhance tsunami preparedness and emergency response systems across the Caribbean and adjacent regions.

Q: Who participates in the CARIBE WAVE exercise?

A: Governments, emergency agencies, and communities across the Caribbean participate in the exercise to improve readiness, test alert systems, and raise public awareness about tsunami threats.

Q: What scenarios are used for the exercise?

A: The exercise offers two distinct scenarios: a tsunami generated by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake near Jamaica and a tsunami resulting from a magnitude 8.6 earthquake off the coast of Portugal.