[Feedback]

[Site Map]

[Contact Us]

Sea Swell Conditions to Diminish by Saturday

Contact: Chris Satney

Thursday, 20 March 2008 – Saint Lucians are again being cautioned to get information on major weather advisories from the right sources.

This, after an advisory from the Saint Lucia Meteorological Office on a deep low pressure system, centred over the North Atlantic and destined to cause over normal sea swells was interpreted by sections of the public as a Tsunami watch.

In preparation for any eventuality, the National Emergency Management Action Committee (NEMAC), stakeholders in Emergency preparation, met to discuss the country’s readiness.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office Senator the Honourable Tessa Mangal, who chaired that meeting on behalf of the Prime Minister, took the opportunity to dispel the rumours.

“The Met Office has advised that it will be giving updates on this activity on every hour.  We are appealing to the public to listen to the advisories from the Met Office and not deal with any speculation in the public domain.  The official word is given by the Met Office, and the National Emergency Management Organisation, keeping the public updated as far as the system is concerned,” Ms. Mangal said.

The Met Office advised that the system is generating above normal swells and as of Wednesday evening, swells of nine to twelve feet began affecting the island.   Director of the St. Lucia Met Services Thomas Auguste says swells will increase to twelve to fifteen feet through Thursday.

“And this should continue into Friday and should start diminishing by Friday evening back to nine to twelve feet and should continue to diminish thereafter. By Saturday swells should be back to normal levels.  It doesn’t pose a very great danger to most people apart from people who live along the coast; there’s a possibility they will be affected.  Persons bathing in the sea,  tourists and and others who use the seashore should take heed,” the Met Office Director said.

Mr. Auguste has strongly advised that the swells are not part of any storm and will not be accompanied by wind or rain.  He has, however, continued to advise fishermen to remain inland and that marinas and hotels take the necessary steps to protect life and property.

[ Home ] [ Up ] [Site Help]

© 2008 Government Information Service. All rights reserved.

Read our privacy guidelines.