Fraser
Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change Julian Fraser has posited that homes and other buildings are strong enough to withstand hurricanes, adding that this was proven when Irma and Maria hit the territory in 2017.
“If, God forbid, there’s a serious hurricane, I can attest to the fact that our structures in the Virgin Islands are adequate. They have proven that during hurricanes Irma and Maria,” Minister Fraser stated.
Most homes and commercial buildings in the BVI were damaged or destroyed after the 2017 disasters. But Fraser said this was not caused by poor engineering but lack of preparation for the storms.
“The damage the buildings sustained was because of lack of preparation. If you allow the elements to get through your windows, of course they are going to lift your roof off. But had you boarded up and done what you should have, our damage would have been significantly reduced. I submit that our structures are adequately designed and built,” Fraser said.
Fraser’s comments come amid calls for residents to remain on high alert during this hurricane season that is being described as slow but still above average when compared to previous years.
Residents are being urged to maintain their homes, stock non-perishables and keep monitoring the health of the young and elderly who are most vulnerable to the impact of hurricanes.
Forecasters have predicted 17 named storms, including nine hurricanes – four of which could be major, for the 2025 season which started on June 1 and ends on November 30.
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