St. Eustatius boosts tsunami preparedness with island-wide awareness campaign
Residents of St. Eustatius are better prepared for tsunamis after a week of educational activities, including school visits and warning sign placements. The campaign aims to equip locals, especially children, with life-saving knowledge for potential emergencies.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Phase of Tsunami Plan | Phase 2 (Public Awareness and Education) |
| Location | St. Eustatius (Statia), Caribbean Netherlands |
| Awareness Week Dates | March 16–20, 2026 |
| Target Audience | Primary and secondary school students (Grades 4–6) |
| Activities | School visits, interactive sessions, pamphlets, social media outreach |
| Partners | UNESCO, Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) |
| Warning Signs | Placed across the island |
| Exercise Participation | Annual Tsunami Wave exercise |
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) of St. Eustatius is responsible for disaster preparedness and crisis management on the island. Its role includes educating the public, coordinating emergency responses, and implementing safety measures to mitigate risks like tsunamis.
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EOC Starts Phase 2 of Tsunami Plan with Public Awareness Activities
The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has initiated Phase 2 of St. Eustatius’ tsunami crisis plan, with a focus on public education, awareness, and the placement of tsunami warning signs across the island.
As part of this initiative, Tsunami Awareness Week was held from March 16 to 20. During the week, the Crisis Team visited primary and secondary schools, engaging with students in Grades 4 to 6. The sessions explained what tsunamis are, why awareness is crucial for St. Eustatius, and what actions to take in a safe and age-appropriate manner.
Students also received pamphlets with practical tips on earthquake awareness. The sessions were interactive and designed for children, using simple explanations, visuals, and participatory activities to facilitate learning without inducing fear.
The Crisis Manager also shared information with the public through the *Shedding Light* social media and radio program. To conclude the week, the Crisis Team participated in the annual Tsunami Wave exercise organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and other partners in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, including the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).
Educating young people is a key part of building long-term preparedness within the community. By learning about these risks early, students can better understand their environment and respond calmly in emergency situations.
The Government of Statia would like to express its gratitude to the schools for welcoming the team into their classrooms and looks forward to continued collaboration in strengthening awareness and preparedness across the island.