Multi-level governance for MHEWS in Latin America and the Caribbean
Examples of strong, multi-level risk governance for Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) have been seen in Latin American and the Caribbean.
Regional governance for MHEWS in the Caribbean
In collaboration with regional and international partners, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), established the Regional Early Warning System Consortium (REWSC) in 2019 as a strategic governance mechanism for MHEWS. Rooted in the region's Comprehensive Disaster Management Strategy and aligned with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Resilience Pathway, REWSC offers policy coherence, oversight, and coordination across the MHEWS value chain, from risk identification to response. Informed by the findings of a 2016 Early Warning Systems study and stakeholder consultations, the REWSC integrates expertise from national agencies, academia, and development partners to ensure institutional sustainability and has been endorsed by CDEMA. It has facilitated region-wide adoption of key operational tools, while advancing strategic instruments like the MHEWS Checklist and Model Policy Guide. REWSC also addresses challenges such as financial and human resource constraints through capacity development and resource mobilisation. Data governance and interoperability issues are tackled through alignment with the CARICOM Strategic Framework for Regional Digital Resilience whilst high-level advocacy continues to reinforce institutional reforms, and phased implementation ensures resilience amid resource limitations.
National governance for MHEWS in Barbados
In 2024, Hurricane Beryl became the first ever Category 5 hurricane to form in June highlighting an unprecedented early-season intensity in the Caribbean. While it had a devastating impact on multiple countries, fewer people died compared to similar hurricanes in the past. This has been attributed to government-led investments at the national and regional level as well as coordinated efforts among the private sector, community organisations, and the government. In Barbados, the national policy on MHEWS - which was developed with support from CREWS - proved effective in establishing clear roles and sustainable financing for the system. Proactive measures were also effectively taken by governments in other countries such as Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Municipal governance for MHEWS in Quito, Ecuador
In response to heavy rainfall and a mudflow in El Tejado ravine on 2 April 2024, municipal authorities in Quito demonstrated strong risk governance by swiftly supporting 48 affected families and deploying an inclusive, locally empowered MHEWS. The system included video surveillance, community sirens, flow-level monitoring in La Gasca, and real-time alerts through WhatsApp, with messages categorised to guide public action: preventive, evacuation, or event-in-progress. The response was made effective as a result of community-led activations, where trained local groups acting under the oversight of the local Community Risk Management Committee responded rapidly with evacuation support and first aid. Humanitarian aid reached 15 families, and 17 more received security kits, reflecting responsive service delivery. Governance successes demonstrated by these three examples included empowering citizens with knowledge and autonomy, integrating local structures with technical systems, and sustaining engagement through shared platforms. Challenges in urban cohesion, institutional coordination, and message integration were overcome by innovations like community groups and phased system implementation. The case highlights how decentralised, transparent collaboration between government and citizens can build resilience and improve disaster response at the local level.