Attachments
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) completed the Saint Lucia National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA) in partnership with the National Emergency Management Organization (NEMO) and the support of in-country stakeholders. The NDPBA examines each country’s unique hazard profile, cultural characteristics, geographical and geopolitical context, historical events, and other factors that could impact, both positively and negatively, a country’s ability to manage disasters. Recommendations, at strategic and tactical levels, are developed based on the findings of the assessment and are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The Assessment consists of two components: the Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (RVA) and the Disaster Management Analysis (DMA). The RVA looks at the multi-hazard exposure, social-economic vulnerabilities, island capacities and internal and external logistics capacities. The DMA takes a qualitative approach to assess six thematic areas -- Enabling Environment; Institutional Arrangements; Disaster Governance Mechanisms; Capabilities and Resources; Capacity Development; and Communication and Information Management. The DMA results are used to contextualize the results of the RVA, providing a comprehensive understanding of the current Disaster Management landscape. In coordination with NEMO, PDC leverages the assessment findings to build recommendations and a Disaster Risk Reduction 5-Year Action Plan that allows for better targeted use of limited resources and identification of additional funding opportunities
RVA results for Saint Lucia show significant multi-hazard exposure including hurricanes, earthquakes, and potential tsunamis across densely populated areas and critical infrastructure. The assessment highlights major vulnerabilities in Economic Constraints and Information Access, compounding the island’s susceptibility to disaster impacts. Additionally, key coping capacity shortfalls in Transportation Capacity and Air Support limit effective disaster response and recovery efforts. Addressing the highlighted vulnerabilities and enhancing logistics capacities are critical for reducing risks and strengthening the island’s overall disaster management capabilities.
The DMA for Saint Lucia highlights strong institutional arrangements and a well-established enabling environment, supported by comprehensive policies and legislation. The disaster management capabilities of the island have been notably enhanced through strategic initiatives such as the implementation of the Caribbean Safe School initiative and the SMART Hospital initiative, reflecting strong commitments to building resilience and safety. Despite this progress, the DMA pointed to some significant gaps, such as the need for increased financial resources, better information management systems, and more targeted training programs. Focusing on the identified challenges will strengthen Saint Lucia’s disaster management system and allow for a more resilient country.
Saint Lucia faces an increased risk from climate change, necessitating the establishment of a national climate and disaster risk financing strategy. Implementing the recommendations shared in this report will significantly advance Saint Lucia’s preparedness and disaster management capabilities.
The NDPBA was funded by the United States Government through the US Southern Command and was conducted in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Barbados. Although NEMO was PDC’s in-country partner during this project, the Center also developed relationships with multiple government and non-governmental agencies in Saint Lucia that supported the data gathering and vetting process. A complete list of PDC’s valued partners in the NDPBA effort is included in this report.
To access findings, recommendations, and data developed for this analysis, please visit PDC’s all-hazard early warning and decision support application for disaster managers and humanitarian assistance practitioners, DisasterAWARE Pro® (https://disasteraware.pdc.org/)