San Juan, Puerto RicoMay 23-28, 2000

Lessons Learned, Hurricane Mitch

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch

Most powerful hurricane to hit Central America in two centuries

Overwhelmed disaster management structures, at national, regional and international due to geographic impact

Unprecedented levels of destruction, $3.5 Billion

Thousands of shattered lives; two million displaced

Four countries seriously affected by the phenomenon; extreme poverty, environmental degradation and poor disaster response resources

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch

The Setting: Hurricane developed as tropical storm then CAT V, stalled

for two days prior to landfall--4.5 feet of rain

Impacted impoverished and debt-ridden countries

Some recently emerged from prolonged conflict

Death toll, homes destroyed, agriculture, health infrastructure, schools, highways, bridges, water and sewage was all on an unprecedented scale

Human interventions lie at the root of much of the damage: farmers and urban population without access to adequate land or credit and technical assistance, homes in high-risk areas, deforestation, inappropriate farming practices

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch

Initial Response: Not well prepared disaster management structures

or plans to address the effects of a major disaster, despite the recurrence of major disaster history in the region

Sporadic information sharing amongst the affected countries, communities and internal communications breaks

As the event unfolded, respective governments were establishing national emergency structures

Health sector was better prepared--PAHO

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch

Relief Effort: Local authorities, churches, NGOs, and civil defense

mobilized National, regional and international assistance was

generous and massive, but cumbersome and sometimes not coordinated

Aid received monitored closely--receiving, storage, registry and distribution by affected nation w/SUMA

Over 40 countries provided relief support--equipment, personnel, goods or debt forgiveness

GUATEMALA HONDURAS

NICARAGUA

COSTARICA

PANAMA

•Managua:•5 x UH-60s •1 x CH-47

•JTF Bravo(Soto Cano):•5 x UH- 60s •2 x MH-60s •4 x CH -47s •2 x C-27s •2 x C-130

San Pedro Sula La Ceiiba

OFDA Funded DoD Air Assets

10 Nov 98

•Guatemala City:•6 x UH-60s

•La Ceiba--FOB:•4 x UH-60s

•JTF-Aguila (Comalapa)• 6 x MH/UH-60s •10 x CH-47s (or equivalent)

EL SALVADOR

Snap Shot of DART OPS During Hurricane Mitch:DoD provided approximately 60% of airlift required in the region; other forces provided the remaining 40%.

DART HQs

Summary of U.S. AssistanceSummary of U.S. AssistanceDuring Hurricane MitchDuring Hurricane Mitch

• USAID/OFDA $30 million

• USAID/Food for Peace (FFP) $52 million

• Department of Defense (DOD) $150 million

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) $63 million

• Development/Micro-credit assistance $5 million

• Rolls of Plastic Sheeting: 1,434 • Water Bladders: 39• Water Jugs: 53,850• Blankets: 22,150• Body Bags: 1,004• Food: 60,000 Metric Tons Total USG: $300 Million

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Emergency Operations systems did not function

-Governments were developing as situation unfolded-political change, changed DM organization

-Existing organizations focused efforts on preparedness and response, need to include prevention and mitigation

Lack of coordination/exercising of national emergency plans

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Civilian groups marginalized by military who have the resources

Coordination efforts centralized in capitol cities

Disaster management trained personnel were not available or unable to execute what training known

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Better communications required with outlying areas for assessment and reporting

Countries overwhelmed with international assistance-not coordinated

Early warning is critical at the local, national, and international level

Communications and plans need to be known by community leaders--communications and plans have to be horizontal versus vertical

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Disaster Preparedness and Planning needs to involve all communities comprehensive training programs at all levels

community awareness

information management; communication media

should be aware of their influence; PIO keeping media informed to avoid confusion, and erroneous reports

create a culture of disaster preparedness and mitigation; create awareness for all sectors

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Governments and local authorities must ensure that the international donor community’s response is based on reliable and verified needs assessment

Information sharing through relief networks

Humanitarian Operations Center needs to be established to coordinate efforts with NGO’s, and other international organizations

Coordination of efforts between National, local, regional and international organizations

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Social Vulnerability, assignment of funds for sustainable living conditions and health/education

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Reforestation of areas and legislation on sites for construction

Hurricane MitchHurricane Mitch“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Strengthen Central American integration through existing institutions such as CEPREDENAC and SICA-looking at regional management of water and other natural resources, address shared problems

Venezuela’s FloodsVenezuela’s Floods“lessons learned”“lessons learned”

Lessons learned from Hurricane Mitch in Central America indicate that many of the NEMO’s were unable to assist as trained during the last 10-15 yrs.

The same lessons were learned during the December 1999 floods in Venezuela

In most of these events, the military was directed to assume duties of the operating NEMO’s

Innovative institutional systems are needed to enhance NEMO self sufficiency and military support to civil authorities during disasters

““Preparedness and Planning of Preparedness and Planning of Foreign Regions in the Americas ”Foreign Regions in the Americas ”

All countries affected by Mitch have passed legislation creating civil sector agencies for natural disaster and emergency response--CEPREDENAC

Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) pro-active with DART, Preparedness/Planning training, initial assistance to affected country

USSOUTHCOM Regional Disaster Response Seminars and Training Exercises

CDERA, CEPREDENAC and PAHO

““Preparedness and Planning of Preparedness and Planning of Foreign Regions in the Americas ”Foreign Regions in the Americas ”

Central American Disaster Mitigation Initiative-OFDA/USAID

Academic Curriculum design/development in DM/HA

Scientific research on topics related to DM/HA

Collaboration of organizations in region

Health sector Psycho-social aspects

Private sector involvement

Gracias!