Two technical interns from the University of Portsmouth, England, are in the Territory for five weeks working along with the Department of Disaster Management.
The Interns, Stephen Mountford and Scott Turnbull will spend their time here in the Virgin Islands assessing and mapping variations in social vulnerability in Road Town and undertaking flood hazard mapping, evacuation and mitigation planning of Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda and Anegada.
The Director of the Department of Disaster Management (DDM), Sharleen DaBreo said, ‘We are pleased to be able to accommodate these interns who will be able to provide us with detailed structural information on social vulnerability aspects, as well as the vulnerabilities of buildings susceptible to floods, tsunamis and storm surge.’ Stephen Mountford, a Geography student at the University of Portsmouth is focusing his research on highlighting the most socially vulnerable areas in the Virgin Islands, which will be used to assist the DDM in focusing their disaster mitigation efforts on the areas which need it most. Whilst Scott Turnbull, who has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Hazards will be concentrating on the flood hazard mapping, evacuation and mitigation planning aspects. His final project will consist of detailed maps of the hazardous areas that may flood during a time of intense rainfall showing areas of high, medium to the lowest vulnerable areas. Both students are currently pursuing post graduate degrees in Crisis and Disaster Management.
This is the second year that the DDM has hosted students from the University of Portsmouth.
Source:bvinews.com
