The 2004 hurricanes in the Caribbean and the tsunami in the Indian ocean. Lessons and policy challenges for development and disaster reduction

This document reflects the author's personal involvement in conducting and supporting disaster assessment missions using the ECLAC methodology for the socioeconomic and environmental assessment of disasters. It first indicates (section I) the differentiated impact that recent events such as the tsunami and hurricanes have on different countries, sectors, communities and localities. Section II provides examples, going into some detail on the 26 December tsunami, and Section III tackles the impact of the 2004 hurricane season in the Caribbean. The final section (IV) offers some personal conclusions and possible policy proposals as food for thought and further discussion.