Seychelles has successfully put in place and tested an Early-Warning siren which will warn against potential dangers. The Director of the Department of Risk and Disaster Management (DRDM), Michel Vielle, indicated that the siren has been donated by the German Sircom company and is equipped with 18 speakers encased in stainless steel.
The siren is the first of its kind to be installed in this part of Africa and the Indian Ocean, he added.
Vielle stated that the apparatus can broadcast various sounds for different emergencies, such as strong winds, heavy rain, flood or a tsunami.
It can also be used as a public address system for pre-recorded or live messages. The siren will be extremely useful in case of tsunamis, he said.
According to the DRDM director, the siren has been installed in the coastal district of Anse Royale situated on the main island of Mahé as most infrastructure located on the coast are more vulnerable to hazards such as a tsunami.
These infrastructure include schools, university, churches, police station and banks.
Vielle added that the residents of Anse Royale district have showed an exceptional interest in and support for setting up such a system, since their district was one of those most badly affected in the last tsunami that hit the archipelago.
The DRDM director concluded by saying that the Seychelles government intends to set up such a system on all inhabited islands of its territory.
Source African Press Agency
