At COP30, a crucial question arises: are we capable of acting before a climate catastrophe strikes?
PIRAC and the Dutch Red Cross’s data and digital team, 510, conducted an in-depth feasibility study exploring the potential of a sub-regional early action protocol for tropical storms and hurricanes in the Eastern Caribbean.
What is the purpose of an early warning protocol? It enables the release of funds to implement predefined measures, triggered by thresholds based on weather forecasts, before an event occurs.
Focused on Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Saint Kitts and Nevis, the study assesses how early warning systems, early warning actions, and cross-border financing can be coordinated across borders to protect vulnerable communities before disasters strike.
The study reveals that while the National Red Cross Societies of the three countries have strong local networks and extensive experience in disaster response, formal early action frameworks have yet to be developed.
Supported by regional institutions such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH), and drawing on forecasts from the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), the study proposes a model early action protocol with country-specific annexes.
By pooling expertise, harmonizing triggers, and coordinating actions at the regional level, this subregional approach offers a scalable and context-appropriate solution to reduce the impact of hurricanes on people and the economy.
The feasibility study was developed in collaboration with PIRAC, 510, national disaster management offices, meteorological agencies and humanitarian partners.
This regional approach is being carried out within the framework of the 3 Oceans Programme funded by theAFD – Agence Française de Développement, through the program Horizon Europeof the EU within the framework of the PARATUS project and supported by the Fondation CMA-CGM.
