Improving fragile communication systems and fixing coordination gaps exposed by Hurricane Melissa will be central to the Caribbean’s disaster preparedness efforts as officials warn that the first two weeks after a storm remain the most vulnerable period for response failures.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) annual regional press conference on the hurricane season which starts on June 1, put the emphasis on stronger coordination, logistics and information-sharing systems across the region.

Executive director Elizabeth Riley said lessons learned from Hurricane Melissa in 2025 explained that the regional after-action review following Hurricane Melissa in March 2026 revealed several areas requiring improvement, including coordination, logistics, communication, rapid assessments, relief management and the transition from response to recovery.