We can no longer afford to be indifferent or irresponsible when it comes to natural disasters. Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis and other natural hazards do not ask permission before striking Curaçao. By the time disaster reaches our doorstep, it is too late to say: “Now we should finally start thinking about what to do.”
The time to prepare is before disaster strikes, not after.
The alarm is sounding, but we pretend not to hear it
Look at what has happened in neighboring Venezuela and Colombia. These events should serve as a warning for Curaçao. Earthquakes have shaken Venezuela, while Colombia has also suffered devastating consequences. Buildings have collapsed, people have been injured and lives have been lost.
And what do we do on Curaçao?
We watch the news, shake our heads for a moment and then continue with our lives as though these events have nothing to do with us.
But Curaçao is part of this world. We are not a magical island somehow immune to natural disasters. When nature strikes, it does not ask whether Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands or independent. It does not ask whether your house is insured or whether the government is prepared.
It simply strikes.
The problem is not nature. The problem is our lack of preparation
We cannot stop a hurricane. We cannot prevent an earthquake. But we can prevent a natural disaster from turning into an even greater human catastrophe because of poor preparation.
Look at our buildings. There are homes built without adequate foundations, aging school buildings and government properties whose structural resilience may be questionable. Construction must be accompanied by strict standards, proper inspections and accountability.
If a powerful earthquake were to strike Curaçao today, would we truly be prepared?
Would our buildings withstand it? Would emergency services be able to respond effectively? Would residents know where to go? Would families know what to do?
If the answer to those questions is unclear, then we already have a problem.
We cannot wait until people die before admitting that preparation should have started years earlier.
Government and society both have responsibilities
Disaster preparedness cannot be the responsibility of government alone.
Public awareness campaigns remain too limited. Residents should know what to do during an earthquake, hurricane, tsunami or major flood. Communities should understand evacuation procedures and know where safe areas are located.
How often do we conduct large-scale emergency exercises? How many families have an emergency plan? How many people know what supplies they should keep at home?
At the same time, citizens cannot simply say: “The government will take care of us.”
That mentality is dangerous.
During a major disaster, emergency services will inevitably be overwhelmed. Government cannot immediately reach every neighborhood, every street and every household. Families and communities must therefore also be capable of helping themselves and one another during the critical first hours.
Politicians are not gods. Emergency services cannot be everywhere at once. Personal responsibility is therefore part of national resilience.
Curaçao cannot live in denial
Around the world, governments and communities are increasingly discussing climate resilience, disaster preparedness and collective responsibility. Children are taught what to do during emergencies. Evacuation routes are established. Emergency exercises are conducted.
Curaçao should be doing the same, consistently and seriously.
Disaster preparedness cannot consist of an occasional flyer, press release or social media post. It must become part of our culture.
What should already have been done?
First, Curaçao needs stronger construction standards. New buildings should meet appropriate earthquake- and hurricane-resilience requirements. If a project does not meet the standards, it should not receive a permit.
Second, disaster awareness must reach our neighborhoods. Community and regional organizations can play an important role in teaching families what to do during hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes and other emergencies.
Third, preparedness must become part of education. Schools, churches, workplaces and community centers should participate in structured programs. We do not need another brochure that disappears into a drawer. We need practical training and regular exercises.
Finally, residents themselves must participate. People should know where to go, what to take with them, whom to contact and how to help vulnerable relatives and neighbors.
We cannot continue pretending that there is nothing we can do.
Doing nothing is also a choice — and it is the wrong one.
Curaçao must open its eyes and ears.
Nature does not negotiate. When disaster strikes, it does not wait for us to become ready.
The question is whether we will prepare while we still have the opportunity, or whether we will wait until tragedy forces us to learn the lesson.
Erwin Raphaëla
Journalist and Columnist