Scenes from previous Caribe Wave exercise in the Virgin Islands. Photo: DDM

Scenes from previous Caribe Wave exercise in the Virgin Islands. Photo: DDM

Scenes from previous Caribe Wave exercise in the Virgin Islands. Photo: DDM

About half a million Caribbean residents will participate in the Caribe Wave organised simulation. Caribe Wave is coordinated locally by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM).

The Director of Disaster Management, Mr Jasen H. Penn, said this is an opportunity to learn or practice the tsunami safety response of heading inland or to higher ground. 

“As an island community, we are extremely vulnerable to the threat of a major tsunami. This means it is vital for everyone to understand what they can do to protect themselves and their families,” he said while urging residents to participate. 

Penn also urged families to download and become familiar with the tsunami evacuation maps that are available from the DDM website.

2026 scenario

An earthquake off the coast of the Cayman Islands at 10:00 AM local time, followed by a tsunami warning requiring evacuation issued by regional authorities soon after, is the scenario for this year’s exercise. 

Inspiration was drawn from the February, 2025 Honduras earthquake and subsequent tsunami advisory. 

As part of the exercise, residents should expect to hear the activation of the National Early Warning Multi-hazard Alert System, including the early warning sirens, a press release from the DDM explained. 

Those interested in participating should register their home or organisation online at www.surveymonkey.comNationalEarthquakeandTsunamiExercise2026. 

Once registered, participants should practice the earthquake safety response of drop, cover and hold; then practise moving to higher ground or inland, on March 19.