Saint Lucians urged to continue monitoring weather
Friday, December 7, 2018
by Lissa Joseph, GIS
RESIDENTS ADVISED TO REMAIN VIGILANT AND MAKE DISASTER PREPAREDNESS A PRIORITY.

Although Saint Lucia was speared the brunt of storm activity, the 2018 hurricane season provided several noteworthy events and important lessons.

The storm with the largest impact was Tropical Storm Kirk, which resulted in 80 percent losses in the banana and plantain crops. Officials also registered minimal infrastructural damage and disruptions in electricity and telecommunication services.

The Director of Met Services, Mr. Venantius Descartes, said despite the island being relatively speared, Saint Lucians should pay close attention to the post season outlook which may pose several threats. Mr. Descartes said government has and continues to invest in developing the island`s capacity in metrology, and work is currently being done to improve the island`s early warning systems, thereby reducing the risks associated with climate change.

He encourages Saint Lucians to continue monitoring weather reports, remain vigilant and keep disaster preparedness as a priority.