Caribbean agencies review response to Hurricane Melissa, identify gaps

BRIDGETOWN (CMC)

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), in collaboration with Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and regional partners, recently hosted a three-day After-Action Review (AAR) to assess the region’s response to Hurricane Melissa.

The review brought together disaster officials, regional bodies, UN agencies, security forces, civil society and development partners to evaluate successes, identify gaps and strengthen future responses.

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms in the region’s history, made landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 system. It caused widespread damage across Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Haiti, The Bahamas, and the Turks and Caicos Islands, with Jamaica bearing the brunt of the destruction, particularly in western parishes.

CDEMA activated its Regional Coordination Plan ahead of the storm and maintained regional response efforts through early 2026, issuing multiple situation reports to guide decision-making.

The review examined early warning systems, coordination among regional and national agencies, and response effectiveness across key sectors such as health, shelter, logistics, telecommunications and recovery. It also assessed financing and the transition from emergency response to recovery.

ODPEM Director General, Commander Alvin Gayle, described the exercise as a critical opportunity for the region to reflect and improve.

“This review allows us to assess what worked, identify gaps, and take practical steps to strengthen regional coordination and disaster response,” he said.

CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley commended the overall response but acknowledged areas needing improvement, including logistics, staffing, and the alignment of relief supplies with actual needs.

She said the review will help guide the development of a stronger, more coordinated Regional Response Mechanism.

Findings from the exercise will be presented at CDEMA’s Technical Advisory Committee meeting in April and will inform efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience across the Caribbean.