Early Action Ahead of Hurricane Melissa
When Hurricane Melissa rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 system, it unleashed severe winds, dangerous storm surges, and heavy rainfall across the Caribbean, particularly impacting Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. OCHA and its partners moved quickly to assist communities and bolster national response efforts.
Anticipatory Action That Saved Lives
Thanks to anticipatory action (AA), teams were able to secure funding, relocate families, and deliver critical supplies before the storm made landfall. Raquel Peña, an AA specialist from OCHA’s Regional Office in Panama, highlights how early intervention protected thousands of people.
Rapid Forecast-Based Mobilization
On 21 October, forecasts indicated that Melissa would approach Haiti within about three days. Within an hour, a pre-authorized US$4 million allocation from the OCHA-managed UN Global Emergency Fund (CERF) was released to aid more than 100,000 vulnerable residents in Haiti’s high-risk southern regions.
How the Anticipatory Action Framework Works
The AA framework is designed to reduce hazard impacts by using forecasts to trigger predefined actions and financing before disaster strikes. This forward-looking approach enabled a swift and organized response.
Core Components of the Early Response
- Dissemination of early warning messages
- Evacuations to protect lives
- Cash transfers for urgent needs
- Provision of emergency shelters
- Distribution of water, sanitation, and hygiene kits
“Acting early made a difference to thousands of lives in the Caribbean.”
Author’s summary: Early forecasts and rapid anticipatory action allowed humanitarian teams to mobilize funds, evacuate people, and deliver essential aid before Hurricane Melissa struck.