By Admin. Updated 6:55 p.m., Sunday, June 30, 2024, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).
Prime Minister and Minister of National Security – Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, on Sunday night, declared a disaster area for the State of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) as Category 4 hurricane Beryl nears.
He made the declaration in a national address that was streamed LIVE on social media.
The declaration means that a disaster is about to happen.
The declaration was made at 6:40 p.m. under Section 32 Subsection 1 of the National Emergency and Disaster Management Act, Chapter 388 of the Laws of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and it applies to the whole of SVG, the prime minister said.
The declaration:
Section 32 (1) of the Act says:
The Minister may declare a disaster for the State, or a part of the State, if he is satisfied:
• that a disaster has happened, is happening or is likely to happen in the State; and
• that it is necessary for the National, Emergency Management Organisation or a person authorised under this Act to exercise disaster management powers under this Act, to prevent or minimise loss of human life, illness or injury to humans, property loss or damage or damage to the environment.
(2) A declaration of a disaster under subsection (1) shall include:
(a) the time and date of the declaration; and
(b) the area in respect of which the declaration is made.
3. A declaration made under this section shalt, as soon as is practicable, be published by Notice in the Gazette.
4. A disaster:
(a) starts when it is declared under subsection (1): and
(b) ends when it is so declared by the Minister.
5. A Notice may extend, or from time to time further extend, the period of the disaster.
6. A Notice extending or further extending the period of the disaster:
• shall state the period by which the disaster is extended; and
• expires at the end of the stated period unless it is sooner repealed or it expires under subsection (7).
7. The Minister shall by Notice declare the end of a disaster if it is no longer necessary for persons exercising disaster powers under this Act to do so.
The prime minister said the declaration, shall, as soon as as is practicable published by notice in the Gazette.
The severity of the hurricane
A 5:00 p.m. Advisory, the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Meteorological Services (SVG Met Office) read as follows:
A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected across SVG, in this case, within 24 hours
At 5pm, Hurricane Beryl was located near latitude 11.1° north; longitude 56.5° west, or approximately 350 miles (565 kilometers) east south east of SVG. Hurricane Beryl is moving toward the west northwest at 18mph (30km/h) with maximum sustained winds of 130mph (215 km/h). Minimum Central Pressure is 960mb or 28.35 inches. Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 30 miles (45 km) from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 115 miles (185km). All preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
Possible Impacts:
Storm force winds are likely from tonight (Sunday) 39 -73 mph (68 -118 mph).
Maximum sustained winds of 130 mph (215 km/h) are expected from early Monday.
Rainfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches (100 to 150mm are likely across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. A flash-flood Warning will be in effect from 6 pm, today Sunday 30th June, 2024.
Marine conditions are expected to be very rough and hazardous with sea-swells exceeding 4.0m (13ft) and possibly higher ~8.0m (26ft), near the center of ‘Beryl’ during Monday. Large and destructive waves/swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip currents. These will create unsafe conditions for small-craft operators and fishermen.
A High-Surf Warning and Small-Craft Warning remains in effect. Small craft operators are advised to remain in port. Please secure all vessels and other equipment. Sea-bathers and other users of the sea are advised to stay out of the water.
Another disturbance is located over the Eastern Atlantic, with a 70% chance of development, and a depression is likely as it tracks near our area by Wednesday. Be Prepared!!
One News SVG 