Despite slowdown in effecting tsunami-warning system, NODS is still working with regional agencies, Director Mullin says

The full implementation of the country’s tsunami-warning system has been slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Philmore Mullin, the Director of the National Office of Disaster Services (NODS), says the implementation is still a work in progress.

Prior to the start of the pandemic in March last year, NODS was in the process of finalizing the warning system and had conducted drills in at least two areas.

But Mullin says the agency continues to work with regional partners in an effort to get the system up and running and to validate the hazard maps.

Mullin says that active discussions are underway to validate all of the coastal communities, including Barbuda, as it presses toward full implementation.

NODS was also seeking to get a tsunami-mapping system in place for Barbuda, but Mullin noted that this would have faced some financial challenges.

Antigua already has an App by which persons will be alerted in the event of a tsunami; reminded of the safe zones; and directed to which routes could be taken to get to safety in a timely manner.