T he COVID-19 crisis continues to unfold even though the rate of infection is slowing in CARICAD member states than in March of this year. This means that in 2020, Hurricane Preparedness and if necessary, Response and Recovery will be taking place in a COVID-19 context. The reopening of the economies in member states will add a level of concern in relation to the possibility of a “second COVID-19 wave”. Effective actions in the Preparedness phase, long before any potential hurricane effects arise, are vital for proficient Response and Recovery. The 2020 hurricane season is forecast to be above average in level of activity. In April of this year, the Colorado State University (CSU) predicted 16 named storms for the season. They also predicted three major hurricanes, with the probability of a major hurricane strike in the Caribbean at greater than 50%. On June 4th, the CSU forecast was updated and they increased the named storms to 19 and the major hurricanes to 4. The forecast described above suggests that prudence dictates that all CARICAD member states plan for the probability that impact from a storm or hurricane will occur. We should note that while other forecasters proffer slightly different numbers, there is a consensus that the 2020 season will be above average in activity. Continues on next page Road Damage in St. Lucia after a tropical storm. 2
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