Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems: A Lifeline for Latin American and Caribbean Cities

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In recent decades, the frequency and intensity of disasters have increased, posing significant threats to urban areas globally. Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), particularly susceptible to these calamities, has experienced the devastating impacts of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, extreme heat and wildfires, and other catastrophic events. LAC is the second-most disaster-prone region in the world, with over 1,500 disasters affecting more than 190 million people since 2000 (OCHA, UNDRR, 2023). In 2024, it experienced 74 major disasters that affected nearly 7 million people and caused an estimated $10 billion in economic damage (IDB, 2025).

Recently, a massive flood in Bahía Blanca, Argentina,  highlighted the dire consequences of such events. As city areas expand and populations grow, the need for multi-hazard early warning systems (MEWS) becomes critical. According to the World Meteorological Organization, MEWS integrates disaster risk knowledge, hazard monitoring, analysis, forecasting, warning dissemination and communications, and preparedness activities. These systems enable individuals, communities, governments, and businesses to take preventive actions to reduce the impact of potential hazards on human life and socio-economic activities before they occur.

MEWS figuratively become a critical lifeline by delivering essential information to save lives and quickly enable citizens, communities, and businesses to resume socioeconomic activities after a disaster. However, they alone do not mitigate the potential damage to buildings and infrastructure from catastrophic events, nor protect society by reducing the impact of hazards like dikes and breakwaters. Disaster preparedness activities, structural civil protection measures, and resilient infrastructure development are indispensable. In other words, MEWS are not a substitute for investments in resilient structural measures, such as water management systems to control flooding, communication networks that remain operational during hurricanes, or nonstructural measures like effective building codes and land-use regulations. MEWS offer unique advantages and challenges that require careful consideration within the context of disaster risk management integrated into the territorial development process.

Why are MEWS so relevant?

MEWS are designed to identify and communicate the risk of natural phenomena so that preventive actions can be taken. One of the primary advantages of MEWS is its capacity to save lives. By providing timely alerts, these systems allow residents to evacuate or take necessary actions before a disaster strikes. For instance, a 24-hour MEWS can reduce loss by up to 30%. In areas with high MEWS coverage, mortality rates are significantly lower than those with restricted or no coverage. This underscores the urgent need for effective EWS in our cities.

MEWS can also reduce losses by enabling the rapid restoration of socioeconomic activities after a disaster, as they can cause substantial economic loss, affecting urban infrastructure, homes, and businesses and stagnating socioeconomic activities. According to the UN Global Commission on Adaptation, an investment of $800 million in EWS in developing countries could prevent annual losses of $3 billion to $16 billion, emphasizing the significant financial benefits of these systems.

Furthermore, MEWS foster a culture of preparedness. By regularly monitoring potential hazards and disseminating accurate information, these systems enable communities to better prepare for and respond to crises. This includes having emergency supplies, evacuation plans, and trained personnel ready to act. More importantly, MEWS can support vulnerable people, such as women, the elderly, children, people with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged individuals, who are often the hardest hit by disasters. In this respect, MEWS can provide targeted alerts and support to these specific groups, ensuring they receive timely assistance. This sense of preparedness empowers communities and affords them greater control in the face of potential calamities.

Major obstacles

Despite their advantages, implementing MEWS in LAC cities faces several obstacles, particularly dual infrastructure limitations. On the one hand, this includes a lack of reliable communication networks, weather monitoring equipment, and data analysis tools. Many urban areas lack the necessary infrastructure to support advanced MEWS. On the other hand, when the former combines with poor urban infrastructure, it creates a recipe for further disaster. In Brazil, for example, some urban infrastructure limitations aggravated the impact of massive flooding in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024. Building and maintaining such infrastructure requires significant resources, which can be a constraint for economically challenged municipalities. An IDB report on short-term recommendations for Rio Grande do Sul included improving MEWS and other emergency management systems.

Securing funding for MEWS needs extra effort and multiparty collaboration. While international organizations may provide initial investments, such as the recently launched IDB Regional Program for Disaster Resilience, “Ready and Resilient Americas,” governments must sustain these systems over the long term, requiring continuous financial support for maintenance, upgrades, and training. Developing innovative funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships, can help address this issue. Additionally, the effectiveness of MEWS depends on the accuracy and timeliness of the data it provides. In many LAC cities, outdated technology and limited access to real-time data can compromise the reliability of warnings. Investing in modern technology and improving data collection and analysis are crucial steps.

Moreover, successful MEWS involve coordination among various stakeholders, including governmental agencies, emergency services, and community organizations. Bureaucratic inefficiencies and fragmented governance structures in many LAC cities offer opportunities for improvement and enhanced coordination. For MEWS to be effective, the public must understand and trust the alerts they receive. This highlights the importance of ongoing education and awareness campaigns to inform residents about the importance of MEWS and how to respond to warnings, considering the local context and particular needs. This can be challenging in regions with low literacy rates or limited access to information, making it another crucial step in disaster preparedness.

Moving forward

To further enhance the effectiveness of MEWS, several critical actions are recommended:

1. Invest in MEWS together with Resilient and Green Infrastructure. Governments and international organizations should prioritize investments in the infrastructure necessary to support MEWS. This includes upgrading communication networks critical for disseminating warnings, installing modern monitoring equipment for accurate forecasting, and developing data analysis capabilities for quick and reliable risk assessment. Additionally, improving existing gray infrastructure and water management systems can help reduce the potential impact of floods. Adhering to up-to-date construction codes and land-use regulations can ensure the resilience of new structures. Creating additional green spaces and implementing nature-based solutions can be natural buffers against disasters. For instance, mangrove forests protect approximately 18 million people worldwide from coastal flooding yearly, resulting in more than $80 billion in avoided losses.

• Secure Sustainable Funding and Leverage Technology. Developing innovative funding mechanisms and public-private partnerships can help secure the financial resources needed to sustain MEWS. These partnerships can bring in private sector expertise and resources, reducing the burden on public expenditures. Governments should also explore opportunities for international funding and support. In recent years, the IDB has provided technical and financial support to strengthen MEWS across LAC in Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru. Investing in modern technology and improving data collection and analysis capabilities are critical. This includes adopting advanced forecasting models, integrating satellite imagery, and using artificial intelligence to enhance prediction accuracy.

• Strengthen Coordination and Awareness: Establishing clear governance structures and fostering stakeholder collaboration is essential. This includes creating dedicated agencies or task forces to oversee MEWS and ensuring that all relevant parties are involved in planning and response efforts. In Trinidad and Tobago, a multi-sectoral national committee facilitates public, private, and civil society partnerships. With support from the IDB, this Caribbean country is enhancing its capacity to implement MEWS. However, their effectiveness also depends on public understanding and trust. Regular campaigns are crucial in this respect. This includes using various media channels to disseminate information and conducting regular drills and training sessions tailored to local contexts and needs. Community involvement is not just a nice-to-have but a must-have for its effectiveness. In other words, MEWS should be “people-centered.”

Wrapping Up

MEWS are vital tools for protecting urban populations, especially the most vulnerable ones. While the challenges are significant, the benefits of these systems are undeniable. By investing in infrastructure, strengthening coordination, enhancing public education, securing sustainable funding, and leveraging technology, LAC can build resilient cities and communities capable of withstanding the impacts of natural disasters. As we move forward, we must continue to prioritize and support the development of these lifesaving systems.