(Trinidad Guardian) Tobago is bracing for the worst as Hurricane Beryl is forecasted to pass over the island today.
At a media conference last evening, Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary Farley Augustine declared a state of emergency as he pointed out that there might be areas that would be cut off on the island if a major impact is experienced.
“If it’s not clear to you now, this island is in a state of emergency…My declaration that Tobago is in a state of emergency does not carry the same connotation as the president. My declaring is for us to ensure all government services on the island of Tobago, and the rest of the island, to operate with the level of urgency of an SoE. It is important for THA operations for that declaration to be made,” Augustine said.
The SoE restricts persons from being on the street from 7 pm yesterday until the hurricane passes.
Augustine predicted the impact could last for hours.
“We pray Almighty God that you would send all the protection that is required at this time. That you would protect Tobago at its four corners,” he said.
This was part of Augustine’s final prayer at the end of the media conference for what he described as what had the potential to be the worst disaster in the island’s history since 1963’s Category 3 Hurricane Flora.
That hurricane destroyed 6,250 of 7,000 homes in Tobago and killed 18 Tobagonians.
Augustine said, “If we have the impact as Flora did, we will see the destruction of at least 18,000 homes of the 22,000 and the displacement of 52,000 people.”
However, he urged Tobagonians to prepare as best as they could and not panic.
And for those who are scared, Augustine had this message, “We are stronger today…There is rich and poor…preservation of life or limb.”
Augustine called on Tobagonians not to venture outside for social media updates. He also warned against the staging of “hurricane parties.”
“People have died trying to escape. We want you all to pay strict attention to what is expected of you, please. If you know street dwellers, let them know that the shelter is open to them. The streets won’t be safe tonight (last night) for anyone.”
He added, “In the first instance, the preservation of life is priority. After that, it will be the preservation of property.”
He spoke of the possibility of an islandwide blackout, which he said authorities expect could last a couple of hours if it occurs due to the impact of the hurricane.
“We are prepared for the worst while praying for the best…,” he said.
He announced that all schools and THA offices will be closed today. However, essential THA employees, such as CEPEP and URP and healthcare workers, to name a few, are being asked to report for duty.
Meanwhile, the Tobago emergency plan was activated at 10 am yesterday.
However, Tobago Emergency Management Agency director Allan Stewart lamented that international relief will be needed if the island is impacted because the island did not have the wherewithal to respond to the damage that such a hurricane may cause.
“It means that it (damage such a potential hurricane could cause) exceeds the capacity of the Tobago House of Assembly. It also will exceed the capacity of the national government, and therefore international relief will become imperative,” Stewart said.
He urged Tobagonians to prepare themselves with supplies that would last them at least 72 hours should the storm hit and cause major damage.
Members of the T&T Defence Force are expected to arrive in Tobago at the first opportunity available when it is safe, Stewart said.