Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Thursday, November 29, 2007/N249

ODMP confirms no damages due to earthquake

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – The Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Governor Franklyn E. Richards reported late Thursday afternoon that there were no damages due to the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that was experienced on Thursday afternoon around 3.00pm.

The earthquake occurred off the East coast of Martinique at a depth of 121 km, according to the Seismic Research Unit.  This is the strongest earthquake event reported since 1974.

Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) Fire Department (ESF-4) and the Department of Public Works (ESF-3) did a damage assessment survey of the island after preliminary reports came in of possible damage associated with the earthquake.

The ESFs reported to the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness that there were no damages.  

Reports have indicated that the earthquake was widely felt across the Eastern Caribbean as far north as the British Virgin Islands and as far South as Guyana.

“The earthquake felt on Thursday afternoon was indeed a very strong one that was felt across the nation.  I am pleased that there were no reports of injury or damage.

“I would like to thank the Governor of Curacao Lisa Richards-Dindial who called to find out if we had sustained any damages and to offer whatever assistance would be required.  I thanked her for her consideration and solidarity with the people of St. Maarten.

“I would like to offer my prayers and thoughts on behalf of the government and people of St. Maarten to the island/s that were seriously impacted by the earthquake and wish them all the best with their recovery efforts,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Thursday.

Governor Richards also spoke with the Governor-General of the Netherlands Antilles Frits Goedgedrag and provided him with an update.  Governor Goedgedrag was also expected to inform the Prime Minister.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Sunday, October 07, 2007/N196

Governor Richards says hurricane season mild, but not yet over

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Governor Franklyn Richards who is also Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), says the 2007 hurricane season has been mild so far, but not yet over and persons should remain in a state of preparedness despite this.

Forecasters from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray recently released their updated hurricane forecast for October and November and in their opinion they expect it to be very active.

Klotzbach and Gray have forecasted four named storms for the next two months, two of those predicted to reach hurricane strength and one of those is expected to become a major hurricane with wind speeds of over 111 miles per hour.

St. Maarten has in the past experienced late bloom hurricanes such as Tropical Storm Jose around October 21, 1999 and Hurricane Lenny better known as “left-handed Lenny” that arrived from an unexpected direction, the West, around November 18, 1999.  Tropical Storm Klaus in 1984 passed by November 6, 1984. 

“The season has already seen several catastrophic hurricanes namely Dean and Felix.  It is in our interests to maintain a certain state of preparedness as we continue to go through the season.  Continue to monitor weather reports in order to keep informed of possible storm activity which would allow you and your family to take the appropriate measures,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Sunday.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “How have you prepared yourself for the hurricane season?” 

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. 

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa in September.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 26, 2007/N181

Residents advised to monitor weather reports closely in coming days and weeks

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Residents are being advised to closely monitor weather reports in the coming days as well as the coming weeks as storm formation activity has increased somewhat and we are still in the peak part of the 2007 hurricane season, Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness said on Wednesday.

At the moment Tropical Storm Karen is located over 1000 miles East of the Caribbean island chain.  Forecasters are predicting that it could develop into a Hurricane.   It does not pose a direct threat to the islands; however residents should monitor the storms progress until it clears the island chain.  There is also another un-named system behind Tropical Storm Karen which is worth monitoring.

Now is also a good time to review your hurricane preparations such as your Family Disaster Plan and Disaster Supply Kit.  The Family Plan should be based on your vulnerability to Hurricane Hazards that could affect your family such as storm surge or flooding.  By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster.

Every home should have a Disaster Supply Kit which would contain certain items you need to have regardless of where you ride out a hurricane.

Forecasters from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray forecasted for the month of September to expect five named storms and another five in October/November.  They predicted four of the five storms in September to become hurricanes, with two of them reaching major hurricane status, with winds greater than 111 miles per hour.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “How have you prepared yourself for the hurricane season?” 

For October/November, forecasters expect two of the five named storms to grow into hurricanes.  They forecast one of those two will become a major hurricane.  Mid September was the peak of the season and up until mid-October are considered active weeks.

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. 

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry and Karen in September.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Monday, September 10, 2007/N167

Governor Richards says forecasters predict more major hurricanes for 2007

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Governor Franklyn Richards, says forecasters from the Colorado State University Phil Klotzbach and William Gray recently released in their updated hurricane forecast to expect the remainder of the hurricane season to be active.

For the month of September they expect five named storms and another five in October/November.  They predict four of the five storms in September to become hurricanes, with two of them reaching major hurricane status, with winds greater than 111 miles per hour.

“I call on the nation to bear the aforementioned in mind and to continue to be prepared to take action when required.  The season has already seen two catastrophic hurricanes namely Dean and Felix.  It is in our interests to maintain a certain state of preparedness as we continue to go through the season.  Continue to monitor weather reports in order to keep informed,” Governor Richards told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “How have you prepared yourself for the hurricane season?” 

For October/November, they expect two of the five named storms to grow into hurricanes.  They forecast one of those two will become a major hurricane and think one of those two will become a major hurricane.  Mid September is the peak of the season and the coming five weeks until mid-October are considered active weeks.

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. 

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal in July, Dean, Erin in August and Felix, Gabriella in September.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Thursday, August 30, 2007/N159

Coastal residents advised to be prepared in the event of a hurricane threat

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Coastal residents are being advised by the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness (ODMP) to be prepared to take timely action in the event a hurricane was to threaten the island.

The Southerly coastlines of the island are dotted with homes and are in danger from storm surge in the event of a hurricane passing the island.

A hurricane system can devastate coastal communities taking lives and destroying property.  After hurricane Lenny in 1999, coastal communities suffered tremendous damaged, but have been rebuilt.  These properties remain at a high risk for storm surge and flooding.

Residents living along the coast are hereby advised to have a plan in place that would allow them to relocate prior to a hurricane strike.  This plan should also include what they would do with their pets.

Hurricane Dean tracked along the Southern coast of Jamaica causing severe damage to residential communities two weeks ago.

Whether the hurricane season is predicted to be active or not, members of the public should be prepared and monitor weather reports in order to keep abreast if a system has developed and what threat it could pose to the island.   

It only takes one storm system to create havoc. For new residents who haven’t experienced an active hurricane season or a hurricane itself, do not be unconcerned because it only takes one hurricane in the season to ruin lives and livelihoods.   

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “How have you prepared yourself for the hurricane season?” 

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. 

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal in July and Dean, Erin in August.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

# # #

Roddy Heyliger

St. Maarten Government Information Service (GIS)

Written by Roddy Heyliger, Communications Consultant for the Government Information Service (GIS), Ennia Bldg., Longwall Rd., Philipsburg, St. Maarten D.W.I. Tel. 00-599-543-1162, 542-4119, Fax: 543-1169; Email: gis at sintmaarten.net;

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 20, 2007/N150

Governor Richards says Hurricane Dean teaches us not to be complacent

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (GIS) – Governor Franklyn Richards, says the passing of Hurricane Dean through the Eastern Caribbean island chain Friday and Saturday teaches us that we cannot be complacent and must take the required actions to minimize the risk of injury and destruction.

Richards added that it serves as a reminder to the nation that the hurricane season is heading into the peak period and that Hurricane Dean was a wake-up call for everybody to review where they were at when it comes to hurricane preparation.

Up to Monday, six persons had perished throughout the Caribbean and millions of dollars have been calculated in damages.  Hurricane Dean continues its track through the Caribbean passing to the South of Jamaica on Sunday and the Cayman Islands on Monday.

Assessment teams have been very busy visiting the Southern coastal villages and parishes of Jamaica to determine the extent of damage caused by Hurricane Dean as it passed the island’s South coast over the weekend.

Governor Richards says he is pleased to learn that forward-teams were already positioned in Jamaica prior to the Hurricane passage which would allow for immediate damage assessments to be carried out once it was safe to do so.  These teams are USAID/OFDA, UN/OCHA and PAHO.

Hurricane Dean did not pose a direct threat to St. Maarten, however the emergency planning department and Meteorological Services monitored the system closely and passed on information and advice to the community in a timely manner.

“Preparations are key prior to a hurricane strike.  Businesses and government must survive and recover from a disaster as quick as possible which would ensure that our economy can be up and running and our way of life returns to a semblance of normality.

“Residents, business owners and contractors have been advised from the beginning of the season to draft plans that would protect their families, business operations and construction sites.  When a hurricane threatens our island, what is left for residents, businesses and contractors to do to prepare should be minimal.

“If you have a plan, preparations to protect property should be carried out within a short period of time.  I was pleased with the state of readiness of the nation and the pro-active approach and preparations taken by various government agencies.

“For those who were complacent, let Hurricane Dean be a lesson that we must be prepared.  Our response agencies will remain in a state of readiness for the remainder of the hurricane season,” Governor Richards, Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) told the Government Information Service (GIS) on Monday.

Hurricane forecasters have predicted 15 named storms for the season, eight are expected to develop into hurricanes, and four are forecast to reach intense hurricane strength, with winds of 111 miles per hour or more.

As the Office of Disaster Management & Preparedness theme says, “How have you prepared yourself for the hurricane season?” 

The remainder of names for the 2007 Hurricane Season is: Felix, Gabriella, Humberto, Ingrid, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Noel, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van and Wendy. 

Andrea formed in May as a subtropical storm followed by Barry in June, Chantal in July and Dean, Erin