TT must be prepared for storms

Speaking yeesterday at the 2017 Wet Season fifth National Climate Outlook Forum (NCOF) at the TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Westmoorings, Dillon said the theme, “Engaging Communities and Disaster Mangers for Disaster Risk Reduction”, was timely and relevant.

“Even as we prepare for the rainy season in Trinidad and Tobago, and when we do prepare not only for Trinidad and Tobago but also in the region, there are some concerns. Severe climate events said to become more intense and frequent due to the increase of climate variability, and long term change.” He said Global statistics have also shown that on an annual basis floods affect more people in any other natural hazards and contributes enormously in economic losses and the lost of livelihood, access to education, to water, to food and health services.

“The understanding that these challenges also manifest in Trinidad and Tobago preparedness is imperative and important when it comes to saving lives and property.

We cannot underestimate preparedness because if we are not prepared then we can never succeed, in war or in peace.” Public Utilities Minister Fitzgerald Hinds said climate is a critical factor in the lives and livelihood of all people, both as a resource, and in some unfortunate cases, a hazard.

“Climate and its related weather patterns have a significant socio- economic impact around the world.” He continued, “As such, climate extremes which occur on a seasonal basis are a cause for concern and strategic action, particularly in developing regions like the Caribbean and island- states like our own. The necessity for strategic and coordinated action becomes even more of a priority in light of climate change and its attendant effects.”