BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

The United States is providing just under half a million dollars towards the establishment of a Tsunami and Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean Community.

Washington, through the United States Agency for International Development/Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, yesterday signed a two-year agreement with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency as part of the initiative.

Officials said the US$475,200 grant would help in empowering coastal communities in the Caribbean to prepare for and respond to tsunamis and coastal hazards.