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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS

On Monday, 22nd June, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., Hurricane Barry Pre-strike meetings were held simultaneously via Zoom across the Federation to synchronize emergency operations. Following these briefings, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) was officially activated as of 2:00 p.m. today. All sub-committee chairs were directed to report to the NEOC by 1:45 p.m. that day to coordinate the national response.

During the initial briefings, NDMD Director Mr. Brian Dyer chaired the Nevis session, where the Hon. Spencer Brand confirmed that Nevis has all necessary infrastructure and mechanisms ready to weather the storm. Concurrently, NEMA held its meeting in St. Kitts, receiving a critical weather update from Senior Met Officer Elmo Burke. Hurricane Barry underwent rapid intensification and was upgraded to a major Category 4 storm at 11:00 a.m. Located 509 miles due east of St. Kitts and Nevis, the storm is moving west-northwest at 17 mph with sustained winds of 135 mph. A Hurricane Warning is in effect for the Federation.

Key Projections & Threats:
Timeline: Initial effects are expected within 15 hours; direct impact from the center is projected within 30 hours. Barry is forecast to become a catastrophic Category 5 hurricane by tomorrow.
Wind & Sea Hazards: Destructive winds and 22-foot seas are expected, along with a 6-10-foot storm surge that heavily threatens Charlestown, Basseterre, and Old Road.Rainfall: 12 to 16 inches of rain (up to 20 inches in the mountains) creates an extremely high risk of flash floods, landslides, and rockfalls.

Residents must immediately finalize all safety preparations and monitor official channels for emergency shelter openings.

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Note: This is part of a simulation exercise. No actual threat currently exists.

_Management

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The St. Kitts and Nevis Meteorological Services has advised NEMA and NDMD that, as of 8:00 a.m., Hurricane Barry was located near 16.3°N, 45.5°W, approximately 940 nautical miles east of St. Kitts and Nevis, moving west-northwest at 18 mph.

Current projections indicate possible impacts to St. Kitts and Nevis within 2–3 days.

A Pre-Strike Meeting has been scheduled for 1:00 p.m. today at the NDMD Emergency Operations Centre (EOC).

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Note: This is part of a simulation exercise. No actual threat currently exists.

_Management

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The Nevis Disaster Management Department wishes to extend a Happy Father’s Day to all fathers, whether biological or adoptive!💙

We also want to highlight our "Disaster Heroes", the fathers who are staff members, volunteers, and external partners. Over the years, you have joined us in our mission of building a resilient nation.

May God’s richest blessings be yours on this wonderful day! ✨🙌

Hon. Spencer Brand's Address on the Start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season At the start of another hurricane season, with a clear and shared commitment to protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve our communities, I stand before you as Minister for Disaster Management to reaffirm our collective responsibility to prepare and act.

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🌀 Today, June 1st, marks the official start of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

To help our community stay ready, the Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD) is excited to launch our Hurricane Awareness Drive Campaign! This year, we’re stepping outside our regular routines to bring you creative, proactive, and crucial preparedness tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.

📊 What does the season look like?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a below-normal season is predicted for 2026. Here is the breakdown:

• 8–14 Named Storms
• 3–6 Hurricanes
• 1–3 Major Hurricanes

⚠️ Remember: Even with a below-average forecast, it only takes one storm to change everything. Preparation is key!

🗓️ The 2026 Name List is Out!

The World Meteorological Organization has released this year's official storm names. Take a look at the graphic below. Do you see your name on the list?

Image credit: NOAA

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The Nevis Disaster Management Department has released its list of Public Emergency Shelters that would be operationalized during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

These facilities are intended to provide safe, temporary housing for individuals whose homes may be compromised before or during a hazard impact, such as a hurricane.

These Emergency Shelters combined have a maximum capacity of 648 persons.

We also encourage everyone to be their brother’s keeper, offer refuge to family, friends, and neighbors whose homes may become unsafe.

Be Alert. Stay Informed. Be Prepared. Stay Safe. 🙏

🔔 Your safety and the well-being of others remain our top priority.

🔒 Safety Message:
Prepare. Protect. Assist. Stay Indoors.

Building A Resilient Nation 💪

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Charlestown, Nevis — The Nevis Disaster Management Department (NDMD), in collaboration with Widener University, Utah Valley University, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Health, the St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society, and other response partners, will conduct a multi-agency fire emergency simulation exercise (drill) entitled:

“Caught by Surprise: Fire Outbreak During Camp Siesta”

📅 May 21, 2026
🕑 2:00 PM
📍 Fort Charles, Nevis

The exercise forms part of an international study-abroad program focused on disaster preparedness, applied emergency management, and community resilience.

PLEASE NOTE: This is ONLY a planned emergency simulation exercise. It is NOT a real emergency.

The simulation will test coordinated emergency response operations involving:

• Evacuation and fire response coordination
• First aid, CPR, and casualty management
• Inter-agency communication
• Missing person accountability and psychosocial support
• Public information management during crisis situations

Participating agencies will include Fire and Rescue Services, Emergency Medical Services, the Ministry of Health, the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force, NEMA, the St. Kitts-Nevis Red Cross Society, Alexandra Hospital, students, volunteers, and other supporting partners.

Members of the public are advised that emergency vehicle movements, simulated casualty activities, and response operations in the Fort Charles area during the exercise period are part of a planned simulation drill and should not cause alarm.

This initiative supports ongoing efforts to strengthen emergency preparedness, public safety, and community resilience throughout St. Kitts and Nevis.

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🚨 Did you feel that earthquake?

Here’s a reminder of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake. Staying prepared can help keep you and your loved ones safe.