San Juan, Puerto Rico May 23-28, 2000

1. Lessons Learned, Hurricane Mitch San Juan, Puerto Rico May 23-28, 2000

2. Hurricane 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

3. Hurricane 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

4. Hurricane 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

5. Hurricane 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

6. DART HQs OFDA FundedDoD Air Assets • La Ceiba--FOB: • 4 x UH-60s • 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 GUATEMALA HONDURAS • Guatemala City: • 6 x UH-60s EL SALVADOR NICARAGUA • JTF-Aguila (Comalapa) • 6 x MH/UH-60s • 10 x CH-47s (or equivalent) • Managua: • 5 x UH-60s • 1 x CH-47 COSTA RICA PANAMA Snap Shot of DART OPS During Hurricane Mitch: 10 Nov 98 DoD provided approximately 60% of airlift required in the region; other forces provided the remaining 40%.

7. Summary of U.S. AssistanceDuring 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

8. Hurricane Mitch“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

9. Hurricane Mitch“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

10. Hurricane Mitch“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

11. Hurricane Mitch“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

12. Hurricane Mitch“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

13. Hurricane Mitch“lessons learned” • Social Vulnerability, assignment of funds for sustainable living conditions and health/education

14. Hurricane Mitch“lessons learned” • Reforestation of areas and legislation on sites for construction

15. Hurricane Mitch“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

16. Venezuela’s Floods“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

17. “Preparedness and Planning of 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

18. “Preparedness and Planning of 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

19. Gracias!