Strengthening of risk assessment and multi-hazard early warning systems for meteorological, hydrological and climate hazards in the Caribbean

This report presents the findings of an assessment undertaken by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) during 2010-2011 which assessed the institutional and technical capacities and needs of the Caribbean region to support Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and risk assessment. The findings provide the foundation for future capacity development projects and for the improvement of existing capacities, and a support for other projects and developments in the region.

The report is comprised of seven chapters: (i) the first chapter explains the precedent for disaster risk reduction (DRR) measures and MHEWS, including the establishment of international agendas such as the Hyogo Framework for Action; (ii) chapter two describes the main hazards and effects of climate change which threaten the Caribbean and gives examples of good practices in DRR from the region; (iii) chapter three describes the methodology for the assessment, the scope, and the sources of data used; (iv) chapter four describes other relevant project which were undertaken in the region; (v) chapter five assesses the capacities and gaps in the current system of MHEWS in the Caribbean; (vi) chapter six summarizes the WMO's findings and recommends actions for capacity development; (vii) chapter seven suggests next steps and key priorities as the Caribbean nations move forward in DRR.