The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) brings together every year the National Societies of the Americas and various technical and scientific organizations such as PIRAC to take part in the “Pre-Hurricane Conference” (PHC). With forecasts pointing to a potentially intense hurricane season, we take a look back at the three days of exchanges and best practices that took place from April 23 to 25.
Hurricane forecasts point to a very active season
One month before the official beginning of the hurricane season, meteorologists are forecasting a particularly active period in the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic regions, including in Guadeloupe. In this context of preparation for the cyclone season and with the support of PIRAC, the PHC 2024 focused on the interaction between the global weather phenomena El Niño and La Niña, which influence weather conditions worldwide and intensify or diminish the formation of cyclonic phenomena in the two regions concerned (Atlantic and Pacific Oceans). Faced with these complex dynamics, PHC 2024 placed special focus on the ability of communities and governments to forecast, respond and adapt. These three days of online conferences enabled the sharing of knowledge, best practices and innovative solutions that will enable us to best anticipate and get through the 2024 hurricane season and those to come.
PIRAC, a key stakeholder in emergency preparedness and response in the Caribbean region
Among the thirty or so presentations on the program (presentation of 2024 forecasts, focus on logistics, exposure to foreseeable natural hazards, and emergency communications), PIRAC had the opportunity to speak on WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), presenting its strategy and emergency response capabilities. The focus was on the seawater desalination process used to produce drinking water in emergency situations, which PIRAC has been carrying out in the Caribbean since 2020.
Joël Cachera intervention, PIRAC Preparedness and Emergency Response Coordinator
A virtual, interactive showroom
In parallel with its intervention in the WASH field, PIRAC benefited from high visibility thanks to an online exhibition and a stand dedicated to its activities.
PIRAC virtual stand via prehurricaneconference.org
The conference was a great success, with nearly 1,500 participants from 105 countries and 75 National Societies taking part in the collective effort!
With the official opening of the hurricane season approaching on June 1, PIRAC is continuing its active monitoring of activity in the Atlantic basin, and will continue to issue messages and bulletins whenever a hurricane event occurs in the Caribbean.
This activity is co-funded by INTERREG Caraïbes.
