The BVI faces a variety of natural or “man-made” hazards of which hurricanes and then earthquakes pose the greatest recurring threat. As a small island state with limited redundancies, the BVI is disproportionately vulnerable to any significant hazard event.

The BVI is located centrally in the Caribbean, directly in the path of tropical cyclones that develop in the Atlantic tropical basin. The BVI has frequently been struck by tropical storms and hurricanes in its recent history. The most powerful and destructive have included the great hurricane of 1867, Hurricane Donna in 1960, Hurricane Klaus in 1984 (with losses of US$ 150 million} and Hurricane Hugo, a Category 4 hurricane, that passed about 60 miles to the south east of Tortola in 1989. In 1998, Hurricane Georges caused an estimated US$10 million of damage.

BVI is close to the active North Eastern boundary of the Caribbean Tectonic Plate. Earthquakes in BVI are not well documented, but between 1700-1960 more than 30 earthquakes were recorded across the Virgin Islands. An earthquake in November 1867 is reputed to have caused a tsunami of approximately 5ft in Road Town and caused severe damage throughout the Territory.   Periodic tremors continue to be felt in the territory.

This vulnerability has been recognized by the BVI authorities, which has developed significant capabilities and capacity to increase preparedness levels and to reduce risks. As a result of a long-held Government commitment, and effective co-ordination by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), the institutional framework for disaster management, incorporating best practice, is well developed.

The DDM carries out extensive public information and outreach programmes to increase public awareness of the hazards faced, ways to reduce risks and build demand for safety standards.  A dynamic educational programme is being developed at the community college. Teaching and training in a variety of disaster management components includes a building for safety programme. All contractors in the BVI require level one (of two levels) certification to practice.

 

DISASTER MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

The Disaster Management Act 2003 assigns responsibility to The Governor for the administration and co-ordination of disaster management and for ensuring that a comprehensive plan and programmes are in place to mitigate against injury and damage caused by hazards, and for emergency relief.  The Disaster Management Act 2003 also makes provision for the establishment and composition of the National Disaster Management Council (NDMC), the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), a Director of the DDM, a National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP) and a National Disaster Fund.

The National Disaster Management Council (NDMC) is chaired by The Governor, with the Chief Minister as Deputy Chairman.  The NDMC determines national policies and sets the national disaster management strategy and is made up of representatives from Government, the private and community sectors.