Let’s talk about the prevention of volcanic risks on this anniversary of the beginning of the 1976 eruption. In the event of an alert and evacuation of South Basse-Terre, the population of each exposed city must flee to a twin city. Let’s see how this is organized, taking the example of Vieux-Fort, a town linked to Saint-François.
Nadine Fadel, with Thierry Philippe • Published July 8, 2023 at 07:00, updated July 8, 2023 at 10:01
On July 8, 1976, 47 years to the day, the La Soufrière volcano in Guadeloupe erupted after nearly a year of incessant earthquakes.
At that time, shortly after the volcano entered the active phase, almost 73,000 inhabitants of Sud-Basse-Terre were evacuated; They were threatened by the phenomenon. Their departure took place under a rain of ash that made visibility difficult, especially at the foot of the “Grande Dame” in the city of Saint-Claude.
Today, almost 50 years later, people who live not far from this mountain must be vigilant. Especially because, scientists say, we are currently in a period of repetition, with an eruption occurring on average every half-century for the last three hundred years.
ALSO READ: Under constant surveillance, Soufriere shows signs of new activity – 06/06/2023.
In this context, if the Prefect wishes to reassure the risk of an imminent outbreak, the State Services and Local Authorities remain mobilized to anticipate the measures of support and safety of the population. Then the time has come.
ALSO READ: Soufrière de Guadeloupe: “There is no reason today to ban access to the volcano”, affirms the Prefect – 06/13/2023.
Among the planned measures is the twinning of communities in the event of another evacuation: the residents of each exposed city must join the territory of the designated twin city.
For example, Vieux-Fort is linked to Saint-François, its host city.
The two cities had already come to an agreement in 1976, during the numerous explosions in Soufriere; this in a saving spontaneity. The municipality of Vieux-Fort was thus able to ensure the continuity of its services and provide accommodation to its needy residents.
Since then, the protocol for the possible evacuation of the nearly 2,000 inhabitants of Vieux-Fort to Saint-François has been refined and administratively organized in tripartite meetings under the auspices of the prefecture.
At the same time, Vieux-Fort complied with the obligation to draw up its “Communal Safeguard Plan” (PCS).
Climatic, seismic and meteorological hazards force us to take measures to protect our population (…).
Héric André, Mayor of Vieux-Fort
Héric André, Mayor of Vieux-Fort • ©Thierry Philippe – Guadeloupe La 1ère
Vieux-Fort Town Hall • ©Thierry Philippe
It is one thing for authorities and communities to organize. There remains the involvement of the population, who must know what to do in the event of an alarm.
It is up to the municipality to reach out to the citizens; This is what the mayor did at the fishing port of Anse Dupuy, a particularly remote and also heavily frequented area:
A fishing port, but also a place to relax, a place to meet. When planning the safety measures, it must be taken into account that population groups are possible people to be rescued. We have considered all situations within the framework of the PCS (…).
Héric André, Mayor of Vieux-Fort
Héric André, Mayor of Vieux-Fort • ©Thierry Philippe – Guadeloupe La 1ère
It is no coincidence that volcanic rock is part of the decoration on the territory of the city of Vieux-Fort…
Volcanic rock is part of the decor in the Vieux-Fort. • ©Thierry Philippe