Emergency agencies will perform annual exercise on Thursday
The Ministry of National Security, through its Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team, will conduct the Caribe Wave 25 Tsunami Exercise on Thursday, March 20 at 11:00 A.M. local time.
The annual drill is designed to assess Bermuda’s emergency communication systems and response protocols in the event of a tsunami, in order to reinforce the Island’s preparedness efforts.
National Security Minister Michael Weeks says, “While the likelihood of a tsunami impacting Bermuda remains low, our commitment to readiness must remain high… This exercise enhances our ability to respond swiftly and effectively, ensuring we are equipped to protect lives and property should the unexpected occur.”
The exercise will simulate the impact of a powerful 8.6-magnitude earthquake in the Azores-Cape St. Vincent Ridge, triggering a series of test tsunami notifications.
The Bermuda Weather Service (BWS)—the Island’s designated Tsunami Warning Focal Point—will initiate the exercise by issuing a test tsunami watch and subsequent updates to key emergency agencies, including the Maritime Operations Centre (MAROps) and the Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO).
Following the exercise, officials will conduct a virtual debrief on the 27th of March.
