Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697799997531.pdf (Dominica)
STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN.

BE PREPARED.


ODM NEWSLETTER DISASTER FACTS AND TIDBITS OFFICE OF DISASTER MANAGEMET VOLUME 1, ISSUE 3 APRIL 05, 2021 JANUARY - MARCH DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT PROJECTS UPDATES INSIDE THIS ISSUE Disaster Risk Management Projects Updates…………………..1-5 The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) collaborates with Local, Regional and International partners to implement projects aimed at building capacity in disaster management and to support Disaster Risk Reduction initiatives.
These projects address the enhancement of District and Community resilience outlined in the 2021-2025 Country Work Programme (CWP) and the Climate Resilience and Recovery Plan (CRRP).
Projects currently being implemented include the construction of two (2) Regional Emergency Shelters at Castle Bruce and Jimmit, respectively; A Mini Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and Disaster Relief Warehouse at Castle Bruce; A Mini EOC at Capuchin and a Communication Enhancement Project that links essential communication along the north and west coasts and the Main EOC at Jimmit.
CARIBE WAVE 21 Tsunami Preparedness………….6-7 Building Institutional Capacity………………………………... 8 Are You Ready for the Hurricane Season?…………………...…….….……9 Hurricane Fast Fact ………………...9 Be in the Know……….……………....9 ODM’s Gallery Supporting Stakeholders ………………….……..10 Upcoming Activities.…….......….10 1.
CONSTRUCTION OF RESILIENT REGIONAL EMERGENCY SHELTERS IN CASTLE BRUCE AND JIMMIT These Regional Emergency Shelters are funded by the European Union through the National Authorizing Office (NAO) Domini- ca, at a cost of just over 31 million Eastern Caribbean dollars.
The Objectives of the Regional Emergency Shelter projects are to:    To provide purposefully built emergency shelters for Jimmit and environs and the District of Castle Bruce To provide resource centers for Jimmit and environs and the District of Castle Bruce To enhance the resilience of the District of Castle Bruce and the Jimmit area through the provision of resilient multi- purpose facilities The Regional Emergency Shelter in Jimmit has an estimated capacity of 500 persons and should be completed by year end.
Communities that are projected to benefit from this shelter include: Jimmit, Belfast, Mahaut, Massacre, Warner, Campbell, Sibouli, Checkhall, Despot, Springfield, Sylvania, Cockrane, Brantridge.
Works completed on the Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter up to early March:     Construction of the basement cistern water storage Installation of necessary underground mechanical, electrical, plumbing infrastructure and soil drainage elements The ground, first and second floors of the superstructure Excavation works for the access road and ground works.

Overall, the work is 40% completed whereas the projection to that point was for 39% planned completion.

This means the work is on schedule.


“Preparedness saves lives and lessens chaos, suffering and economic destruction.

It is a lifestyle choice that requires commitment, action and a little money.

” (iL) STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN.

BE PREPARED.
Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter as of January 2021 south view Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter as of January 2021 west view Jimmit Regional Emergency Shelter earlier in March 2021 west view “Ensuring climate resilience is a continual process throughout the life of an asset or infrastructure” (OECD) 2 (Source of images: ODM site visit; cover image: NH) Works completed on the Castle Bruce Regional Emergency Shelter up to early March:     The basement cistern water tanks Installation of underground mechanical, electrical, plumbing infrastructure and soil drainage elements Install Forsa forms / reinforcement followed by concrete Construction works on ground floor  Drainage works on main road to redirect surface water offsite.
Overall the work is 20% completed whereas the projection to that point was for 19% planned completion.

This means the work is on schedule.

STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN STAY INFORMED.

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BE PREPARED.

The Regional Emergency Shelter in the District of Castle Bruce has an estimated capacity of 300 persons and should also be completed by year end.
Communities that are projected to benefit from this shelter include: Castle Bruce, Petite Soufriere, San Sauveur, Good Hope, Mopo, Dix Pas/ Tranto and Kalinago Territory.

Images above of the Castle Bruce Regional Emergency Shelter in early March (Source of images: ODM site visit) 2.

CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTRE (EOC) AND DISASTER RELIEF WAREHOUSE AT CASTLE BRUCE The project began in December 2020 with tentative date for completion set for June 2021 barring delays.
The cost of the project is US $900,000 funded by the United States SOUTHERN COMMAND (US SOUTHCOM).

AKEA Inc is the Consulting Firm providing supervision of the project that was contracted to OYO Construction.

Up to March, the site has been cleared of debris and foundation work has begun.
The objectives of this project are to construct a mini EOC and warehouse facility in the District of Castle Bruce and to outfit the building with the requisite equipment to support emergency operations within the district.

Project beneficiaries include the District of Castle Bruce and the Kalinago Territory as well as the National Disaster Management System.
In addition to this major project, the ODM has been carrying out activities to strengthen preparedness and response in the District through the establishment of a District Disaster Management Committee.

Work is also ongoing to build capacity in the operations and maintenance of the EOC and warehouse facility.

These capacity building interventions will run concurrent to the construction to ensure that upon completion, the facility will be immediately commissioned with functional staff.

3 STAY INFORMED.
3 STAY INFORMED.

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Castle Bruce EOC and Warehouse site cleared of Debris in January Foundation works began at the Castle Bruce EOC and Warehouse site in March (Source of images: ODM) 3.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNITY EOC IN CAPUCHIN AND A NORTH AND WEST COASTS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM This project is an illustration of active learning as the ODM seeks to engender a culture of safety by implementing best practices and lessons learned from previous emergency or disaster events.

The devastation inflicted on Dominica by Major Hurricane Maria in 2017 reinforced the need to establish a robust communication system that incorporates multiple back-up communica- tion modalities.
The project cost just over $166,000.00 XCD and is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and aims to enhance the preparedness and response capacities in the communities of Capuchin, Dublanc and Bioche.
The activities of the project include:  Establish a communication network (Expandable Conventional HF/VHF/UHF Radio System with repeaters) from a small Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Capuchin Emergency Shelter in the north and along the west coast to the prima- ry National Emergency Operating Center (NEOC) at Jimmit.

 Upgrade the emergency response capabilities and amenities at the multi-purpose facility in Capuchin.
This includes installa- tion of radio communications equipment, installation of backup power system, and installation of backup water system and enhancement of the security of the facility.

 Train a cadre of community personnel in the use and operations of the upgraded facility in Capuchin.

“The systemic nature of risk presents a great challenge to Disaster Risk Reduction.
Adopting a prepared lifestyle in a multi-hazard environment is critical as we seek to build resilience and to foster a culture of safety.” (ODM) 4 STAY INFORMED.

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BE PREPARED.

CAPUCHIN PROJECT Installation of communication system at the small EOC at Capuchin Source of images: ODM Installation of back-up water system at the small EOC at Capuchin 5 STAY INFORMED.

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ODM PARTICIPATES IN CARIBE WAVE 21 The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) carried out an earthquake and evacuation drill in schools on 11th March in collabora- tion with the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence.
The earthquake drill was one of the key activities in support of Caribe Wave, the annual tsunami exercise of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The objectives of the earthquake drill were to test and exercise the earthquake safety protocols of schools; test the evacuation protocols of schools and to assess the effectiveness of the earthquake and evacuation protocols of schools in a pandemic environment.
Following evacuation from the school buildings, teachers and students were encouraged to discuss their experience and their school tsunami safety protocols particularly for schools located in coastal low-lying areas.

The ODM expresses apprecia- tion to the Ministry of Education and all schools who were able to support the promotion of earthquake and tsunami safety.
The ODM also collaborated with key stakeholders, including the Dominica Police Force, Fire and Ambulance Services, Dominica Red Cross and Petro Caribe, on March 11 to execute a communication testing exercise with a view to assess the emergency com- Scenes from Caribe Wave 21 Earthquake Drill In Schools St Lukes Primary Massacre/Canefield Primary Social Centre Model Preschool demonstrating Drop, Cover, Hold On 6 STAY INFORMED.

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BE PREPARED.


Scenes from Caribe Wave 21 Earthquake Drill In Schools Isaiah Thomas Secondary School Roosevelt Douglas Primary School Ebenezer SDA—Roseau 7 STAY INFORMED.

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BUILDING INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY USSOUTHCOM DONATED FORKLIFT TO ODM The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) received support to strengthen operational capacity through the donation of a forklift from the USSOUTHCOM Humanitarian Assistance Programme (HAP) Project on Friday January 8, 2021.

Maintenance and management of the ODM’s warehouses is essential for the optimization of preparedness, response and recovery post hazard impacts.
Storage and distribution of emergency supplies and relief items require the use of a forklift to ensure that these functions are carried out effectively and efficiently while reducing the exposure of workers to occupational harm when handling bulky items.
Fitzroy Pascal, National Disaster Coordinator, in expressing gratitude to the USSOUTHCOM stated that “The ODM is indeed grateful and appreciates the donation of the forklift from the USSOUTHCOM which will significantly improve the efficiency of operations in the warehouses at the ODM and contribute to the enhancement of the national relief, logistics and warehousing programme on a whole”.

He also indicated that “the forklift was put into operation imme- diately upon receipt by the Disaster Office”.
The ODM, on behalf of the National Disaster Management System, expresses thanks to the USSOUTHCOM HAP for their continued support and dedication to the advancement of Comprehensive Disaster Management in Dominica ODM CONVENED WORKSHOP FOR DISTRICT DISASTER MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS The ODM continues efforts to develop and strengthen District Disaster Management Committees (DDMC).
In February, the ODM convened a work- shop for DDMC Members of Castle Bruce and Grand Bay, to sensitize them about their roles and responsibilities, to reiterate their importance to the national disaster management system while providing assurance of the support of the ODM.

Participants were also introduced to the 2021-2025 Country Work Programme (CWP) which is a results-based, climate smart, systematic approach to Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Dominica.
These committees are expected to provide tremendous support to national preparedness, response and recovery activities while broadening the reach of the Disaster Office in the Districts.

Grand Bay and Castle Bruce Districts are the first 2 of the projected 8 committees to be established.

Work is ongoing to establish DDMCs in the 5 remaining districts and the Kalinago Territory.
Ensuring that DDMCs and Community Disaster Management Committees are established and remain vibrant are critical activities in the process of building national resilience.

Congratulations to the recently elected Chairpersons and Deputy Chairs of the newly formed District Committees - Ms. Royette George (Chairperson) and Mr. Ashille Grove (Deputy) for Castle Bruce; Mr. Armour Thomas (Chairperson) and Mrs. Shakina Dorival (Deputy) for the Grand Bay District.
The ODM encourages the public to volunteer and to be a part of the team for District and Community Disaster Management Committees.

“I commit to continue to work diligently to ensure that the district team work toward a safe environment” (Royette George, Chairperson of Castle Bruce DDMC) Forklift donated by USSOUTHCOM to the ODM Members of the Grand Bay DDMC Members of the Castle Bruce DDMC 8 STAY INFORMED.

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MAKE A PLAN.

BE PREPARED.


ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2021 HURRICANE SEASON The Hurricane season is fast approaching.

You are encouraged to give some thought to your preparedness for the season.

Taking the time to put plans in place will help to reduce anxiety and becoming overwhelmed whenever the island is under threat from a tropical cyclone.
 KEEP UPDATED ON INFORMATION  GET YOUR INFORMATION FROM THE DESIGNATED AUTHORITIES Be In The Know The Official Start of the Atlantic Hurricane season DID NOT CHANGE TO MAY.

What is new this year?

The Atlantic Hurricane season officially begins on June 1st.

However, tropical cyclones sometimes form on or prior to that date.
To provide more consistent information on the potential for late May and early June systems, the NHC will now begin the routine issuance of the Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook on May 15.

HURRICANE FAST FACTS  JUNE 1 IS THE OFFICIAL START OF THE ATLANTIC HURRICANE SEASON AND IT ENDS ON NOVEMBER 30  Climate Change is projected to support the formation of more intense storms and more extreme rainfall events.
 The hazards associated with hurricanes are :  LIFE THREATENING FLOODS  DESTRUCTIVE WINDS  DANGEROUS STORM SURGE  The hurricane cone does not represent the size of the storm but only represents the probable track of the center of a tropical cyclone  Hurricanes can undergo rapid intensification moving from a weaker system to a strong cyclone in a short Time, as shown by Hurricane Maria in 2017 .

Do not delay preparation!

9 STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN STAY INFORMED.

MAKE A PLAN.

BE PREPARED.
ODM’s Gallery– Supporting Stakeholders ODM Logistics and Maintenance Staff assisting with the installation of appliances at the Layou Regional Emergency Shelter Supporting the Ministry of Health with Storage and Logistics Management for the COVID Centre maintenance Supporting the Ministry of Health in the National Vaccine Campaign Transportation support to Ministry of Environment in the reforestation project La Soufriere Eruption—St .Vincent The Government and people of The Common- wealth of Dominica Stands in Solidarity with the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines during the volcanic eruption crisis.
through The Government, sub-committees of the National Emergency Planning Organiza- tion (NEPO) of Dominica, continues to coordinate the national relief and evacuation operations in response to the crisis.

the ODM and the relevant We thank the public for their continued support to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Source of images: ODM UPCOMING ACTIVITIES APRIL  Work to commence on upgrading Seismic Network  Arrival of 40-bed Field Hospital in Domi- nica donated by USSOUTHCOM through ODMs Resource Mobilization efforts MAY 24 – 30 2021  HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK  Hurricane Simulation Exercise Contact the Office of Disaster Management for your preparedness support Website: odm.gov.dm Email: odm@dominica.gov.dm Tel: (767) 448-7777 / 611 – 4412 facebook.com/ODMDominica1 10