Provdienciales, 28 Aug 2015 – The National Emergency Operation Center will be in command from 6pm today as the Department of Disaster Management and Emergencies launches last minute preparations for Tropical Storm Erika.
NEOC will be based from the Providenciales DDME office with branches throughout the six other populated islands. It will be responsible for communicating with disaster volunteers, updating the public and coordinating rescue efforts if Erika hits.
Come 6pm, shelters across the country will also be open to receive evacuees. While Erika is expected to have minimal impact on the TCI, disaster officials remind residents of the potential for flooding with Erika poised to dump 4-8 inches of rain.
Residents in low lying areas are reminded to pack up their valuables and seek higher ground. The Department is also asking residents to stock up on gas and food enough for 72 hours as the storm could cause delays in emergency response time.
Tropical Storm Erika brought the country to a standstill today as national stakeholders made last minute preparations.
Banks locking up from 1pm, government offices shut down from noon and grocery stores are reporting influx in last minute shoppers.
