The island of Nevis is set to participate in the region-wide Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami preparedness exercise on Thursday, March 19, with authorities urging full community engagement. The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is coordinating the comprehensive drill designed to enhance emergency response capabilities across the Caribbean region.
According to NDMD Director Brian Dyer, the simulation will commence precisely at 11:00 a.m. with distributed alert notifications to participating institutions including schools, businesses, and various organizations. The exercise will employ clear verbal markers—repeating “exercise, exercise, exercise”—to distinguish the drill from actual emergencies while maintaining procedural seriousness.
This year’s scenario simulates a tsunami generated by the hypothetical collapse of the Kick’em Jenny submarine volcano, creating a region-wide impact situation that tests coordinated response mechanisms. Emergency services including police and fire departments will activate sirens and conduct simulated evacuations through designated impact zones.
The department has conducted extensive preparatory work with diverse community segments including educational institutions, faith-based organizations, volunteers, and persons with disabilities to ensure inclusive participation. Public announcements will guide evacuation procedures along predetermined routes to officially designated safe sites across all parishes.
Dyer emphasized critical tsunami safety protocols, advising immediate relocation to higher ground (minimum 30 meters above sea level) upon observing natural warning signs such as strong tremors, unusual ocean withdrawal, or roaring ocean sounds—without waiting for official instructions in genuine emergencies.
The director reiterated that Thursday’s activity remains a training exercise, not an actual emergency, while underscoring the importance of public awareness and participation in building community resilience against potential tsunami threats.