30 View from St. George's Hill looking northeast. By Frankie Michael, Supplementary Associate, CARICAD T he Caribbean region can learn many lessons from the protracted volcanic crisis in Montserrat. The most severe events lasted for 15 years but the effects continue today, more than 30 years later. The incorporation of the lessons in our national planning and public management should prove beneficial to current and future generations. 1. Small Island Economics are Especially Vulnerable to Major Natural Hazard Impacts Small territories with small populations, cannot provide the full range of skills, resources, supplies and equipment required to respond to a whole-of-country disaster. The smaller the island or territory, the greater will be the impact of a major hazard, whether from natural hazards or incidents. This means that the smallest of our member states should plan on the basis that any situation that evolves into disaster, will affect all aspects of life, and spread across the entire territory. Every country and territory should be prepared for natural as well as man-made hazard impacts by setting up appropriate policies, strategies, programmes and management capabilities – especially for high-impact hazards and threats. 2. Plan for Low Probability but High Impact Events The volcanic eruption in Montserrat was regarded as a low probability (unlikely to happen) event. However, when it did happen, it was devastating. The Montserrat experience suggests that we should plan for events that even if their probability is low but their impact is high, we should be ready. The “Soufriere” at Galway’s in Montserrat was regarded as a tourist attraction and suitable site for school field trips for decades. There was no sense of imminence about volcanic eruptions. The society felt no sense of urgency about preparing for such events. 3. Preparations Should be Made to Deal with Unquantified but very Significant Psychological and Emotional Effects of a Natural Disaster The negative psycho-social impacts of a disaster can be immense. Post Traumatic Stress realities can impact individuals, families and communities for life. It is vital that the psychological situations emerging from disasters and their effects and impacts be planned for appropriately so that the desired services and • Continues on next page
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