Our Videos

March 28, 11

NEWS / UN-backed test shows need to improve Caribbean tsunami warning system


26 March 2011 – The first full-scale test of the tsunami warning system in the Caribbean has highlighted the need to reinforce preparations as well as improve communication, evacuation plans and the role of the private sector, the United Nations said today.

The simulated tsunami alert, dubbed Caribe Wave 2011, was carried out on 23 March and involved 34 countries. Under the test scenario, a 7.6-magnitude earthquake was signaled off the coast of the Virgin Islands, which generated a tsunami with waves reaching of up to ten metres.

The exercise tested the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions (Caribe EWS), which was set up in 2005 under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The exercise highlighted a number of gaps in the transmission of information, UNESCO stated in a news release, noting that in several areas, the message was not received by the Global Telecommunications System (GTS).

In other cases, reception of messages via the Emergency Managers Weather Information Network (EMWIN) failed. At national level only a few mobile telephone operators joined the exercise.

Populations and media throughout the region keenly followed the exercise, which also allowed for an evaluation of evacuation plans and the role of the private sector in the case of a catastrophe, the agency added.

"I am delighted with the level of participation in this exercise and the interest that has been shown by local populations," said UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. "Such drills are essential to evaluate the efficiency of warning systems and ensure their efficient operation when catastrophe strikes."

Similar exercises have been held in the Pacific (2008) and Indian Ocean (2009) regions.

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=37906&Cr=tsunami&Cr1=

 




Testimonials

Niranjan Sujay
I recently used LOGOS INTERNATIONAL for the translation of my bachelor’s certificate, and I couldn’t...
Read More »
Katia Nagata

As a foreigner, I needed a certified translation, so I called the DOE to give me a list of the ce...
Read More »
AnnaMaria Realbuto
Thank you for all your assistance and efficiency...
Read More »
Kateryna Melnychenko
Thanks a lot Anton!...
Read More »




FAQ

What is the Bureau of International Labor Affairs?
Read More »
Q. How much time does the foreign State have to reply once service has been effected?
Read More »
Q. Can I serve other documents through the diplomatic channel?
Read More »
How long is my passport valid?
Read More »






News

April 16, 25
Actor Val Kilmer died from pneumonia – death certificate
Read More »
April 8, 25
Most populous Iowa County experiencing death certificate delays
Read More »
April 2, 25
Birth certificate error leads to numerical name for Georgia woman
Read More »
March 26, 25
VA Governor delays implementation of criminal record sealing law
Read More »