Barbados Hurricane Prepardness

As the 50th anniversary of hurricane Janet approaches, Barbadians are  reminded that they should not become complacent during the hurricane season.

This warning has come from Director of Meteorological Services, Chester Layne, who noted that this island was in the hurricane belt and anything could happen.

“The reality that is now becoming quite evident is that there are periods of intense hurricane activity and there are periods of weak hurricane activity….Since 1995 there has been some indication that we have entered one of the other phases of intense activity, where over the last 10 years or so we have been averaging 14 storms a year and this is well above the historical average of 10.

“So we have to be always prepared. It is true that the probability of a storm impacting a particular area 20 miles wide or 14 miles wide is low, but you have to look at the nature of the impact. It can be extremely high so we cannot take any chances”, Mr. Layne stressed.

Note from Linda: Back in 1955, Barbados was directly hit by hurricane Janet with 120 mph winds. About 35 people lost their lives, 1,800 homes were damaged and over 20,000 were left homeless. Traditionally Barbados has been extremely lucky, however since we will continue to be in a cycle of dangerous hurricanes for the next few years, it is wise for the island not to take their luck for granted. 

Linda, Travel 2 the Caribbean

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