Assistant Minister for Rural and Maritime Development and Disaster Management, Vijay Nath says in the last ten years, 52 people lost their lives during natural disasters with total loss valued at $2.42 billion.
While speaking during the 2020/2021 National Budget debate, Nath says in 2010 TC Thomas caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $84.3 million representing 1.4% of GDP with 1 death.
Nath says in 2012 TC Evan caused total damages and losses valued at $194.9m representing 2.74% of GDP.
He says in 2016 TC Winston caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $194.9m representing 19.35% of GDP where 44 people had lost their lives.
Nath further says in 2018, TC Geeta caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $1.2m representing 0.012% of GDP.
He adds TC Keni caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $1.2m representing 0.028% of GDP where two people had lost their lives.
Nath says in 2019, TC Sarai caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $10.3m representing 0.09% of GDP with the loss of two lives while TC Tino caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $3.2m representing 0.03% of GDP with two lives lost.
He says in 2020 TC Harold caused total damages and losses valued at approximately $100m representing 0.9% of GDP one life was lost.
Nath says $800,000 has been allocated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to ensure that disaster relief and response activities are provided to affected communities.
Nath says they are also working to identify black spot areas around the country where further support will be provided to ensure communication is not affected during disasters.
