7 September 2017. Hurricane Irma, the most powerful hurricane ever recorded over Atlantic Ocean, pounded parts of the Caribbean with its Category 5 winds and heavy rains. Packing 185 mile-per-hour winds, Irma has left a trail of destruction in many CARPHA Member States in the north.
CARPHA has activated its Disaster Management Plans and is providing updates to Member States. The Agency urges Member States to continue to issue public advisories to inform the public on adherence to response measures communicated through the formal communication lines.
Members States who have been impacted are encouraged to activate the response part of their preparedness plans and carry out their response responsibilities and activities. Those likely to be impacted should be in response mood and prepare for any worst-case scenarios.
Meanwhile, Tropical Storm Jose the 10th named storm of the season has formed over the Atlantic on Tuesday September 5, 2017. Jose now a Category 1, is projected to follow the same path as Hurricane Irma.
Countries likely to be impacted are advised to tread with caution in operationalising their response mechanisms.
CARPHA is closely monitoring both systems, and stands ready to work with other regional partners and to lend support to Member States.