Nassau (CMC):
Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Agency director Aaron Sargent said the government aims to build at least five hurricane shelters capable of withstanding Category 5 storms over the next two years.
Sargent said Hurricane Dorian highlighted shortages of facilities such as schools typically used as evacuation shelters, and officials vowed to build hurricane-proof shelters on each island.
His announcement came as this year's hurricane season is expected to be the most active in years, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting 17 to 25 storms, eight to 13 hurricanes and four to seven major hurricanes.
Sargent said authorities were working with regional partners and the UK to secure funding for a “purpose-built shelter” and that construction of the shelter in Central Pines on Abaco Island was “full steam ahead.”
He said the building, which can withstand a Category 5 storm with wind speeds of up to 200 mph, will be completed by the end of the year and ready for use in emergencies starting this summer.
Sargent said a total of 144 hurricane shelters will be available for this year's hurricane season, and inspections of the shelters had been completed as of May 30.
DRM chairman Alex Storr said the country was prepared to deal with strong storms.
“The infrastructure is in place,” he said. “No one can prepare for a storm like Hurricane Dorian, so no one can, but we are ready to handle whatever happens, so you can be confident in that regard.”
Meanwhile, Economy Minister Michael Halkitis said last week that the government was receiving a loan from the Inter-American Development Bank to help in the aftermath of the storm.
Sargent said the act allows the government to send funds to the Disaster Management Authority for disaster prevention and post-disaster response.
The funds will help officials prepare, procure and deliver post-hurricane relief supplies, and officials hope to have the funds in place by the end of June.
