When disaster strikes, government agencies are just as affected as ordinary citizens, and consequently, may not be able to quickly engage with citizens or neighboring entities to implement recovery. This is particularly the case with fast-moving, mega storms that may hit multiple countries in succession, and restrict the movement of goods and services by air or sea.
Since experts warn of more frequent and powerful storms in the coming years, it’s important to quickly identify lessons learned from recent disasters, and implement improvements that not only save lives, but ensure better post storm access to clean water, food, medicines, and also electricity, transport, and safe infrastructure.
The Caribbean is in a unique position to lead the way because of its long history of overcoming such disasters, and its resilient people. But the region cannot do it alone.