Hurricanes pose a significant threat to the Caribbean region, causing extensive economic losses and social disruption. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), hurricanes from 1950 to 2014 inflicted approximately $52 billion in damages across the Caribbean. However, these figures often underestimate the true impact, as they do not fully account for human lives lost or the social upheaval caused by these natural disasters. Recognizing the critical need for preparedness, the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) offers a suite of tools and strategies aimed at reducing the risk of loss during hurricane season, particularly within the fisheries sector.
Mr. Adrian LaRoda of the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance highlighted the devastating effects hurricanes can have on fisheries. He referenced the IMF report, “Gone with the Wind: Assessing Hurricane Costs in the Caribbean’, emphasizing that while meteorological systems often provide opportunities for advance warning and preparation, such opportunities are not always sufficient to prevent damage.
For instance, Hurricane Joaquin in 2015 rapidly intensified from a tropical depression to a Category 4 storm, resulting in over $100 million in damages, including around $20 million to the fishing fleet. Similarly, Hurricane Dorian in 2019 caused estimated damages of $3.4 billion in The Bahamas, equating to more than a quarter of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). These examples underscore the importance of effective risk mitigation strategies.
CRFM has developed and promotes various tools and guidelines that help fishers, communities, and authorities bolster resilience against hurricanes. These tools focus on early warning systems, preparedness planning, community engagement, and post-disaster recovery.
Estimates of Financial Losses Due to Recent Hurricanes in Selected CRFM Member States
1. Early Warning Systems and Regular Updates
CRFM emphasizes the importance of listening to weather advisories from official sources such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the National Meteorological Services, and radio/television broadcasts. Continuous monitoring allows stakeholders to anticipate storm developments and take timely action.
2. Establishing and Reviewing Emergency Plans
A critical component of risk reduction is having a well-prepared emergency plan. CRFM encourages fishers and communities to:
– Review and update family emergency plans regularly.
– Identify and establish contact points within the community and with authorities.
– Know the designated shelters and safe zones in advance.
– Ensure communication devices are operational and charged.
During a hurricane or tropical storm watch, fishers should review their preparedness requirements and be ready to act swiftly if a warning is issued.
3. Protecting Property and Essential Items
When a hurricane warning is in effect, the following actions are recommended:
– Secure all property, including fishing equipment, boats, and infrastructure.
– Move loose objects indoors or secure them to prevent damage.
– Fill vehicles with gasoline and stockpile water, food, and medicines.
– Protect sensitive documents and valuables.
4. Safe Shelter and Evacuation Readiness
Fishers should know their evacuation routes and designated shelters well in advance. Planning ensures quick and safe movement away from danger when necessary.
Post-Hurricane Actions and Community Support
After the storm passes, the focus shifts to recovery and community resilience:
– Assist in search and rescue operations.
– Seek medical attention for injured persons.
– Conduct debris removal and temporary repairs to infrastructure.
– Report damages to utilities and facilitate road clearance.
– Be vigilant of secondary hazards such as flooding or fires.
– Cooperate with damage assessors to facilitate aid and recovery efforts.
Courtesy of CDEMA
The CRFM stresses that active participation in community drills, maintaining up-to-date safety equipment, and fostering a culture of preparedness are vital to minimizing losses. Stakeholders are also encouraged to leverage community networks and collaborate with regional agencies to enhance collective resilience.
Hurricanes remain an ever-present threat to the Caribbean’s fisheries and coastal communities. By utilizing the tools and guidelines provided by CRFM—such as early warning systems, emergency preparedness plans, property protection measures, and community cooperation—stakeholders can significantly reduce the risk of loss during hurricane season.
Additional resources
IMF report: Gone with the Wind: Assessing Hurricane Costs in the Caribbean
Hurricane preparedness posters for download:
Hurricane preparedness video:
