The Atlantic hurricane season has officially
started on 1 June. The number of hurricanes forecast continues to rise every year. It is predicted that there will be 15 named storms in 2008, four of which are expected to be severe - that is, category 3, 4 or 5.
The Red Cross is working to identify challenges and analyse operational constraints that could affect the hurricane response, as a follow-up to a 2007 meeting that focused on the analysis of contingency plans and coordination.
News
21 November 2008
Cuba: Hurricane Paloma: early evacuation saved lives When Hurricane Paloma made landfall in Cuba, the worst was expected. However, it lost strength as it crossed the island although it left considerable material damage to infrastructure, homes and livelihoods in its wake. Full story
23 October 2008
Severe flooding in Central America: Red Cross brings vital assistance to affected families Torrential rains carried by a series of depressions and storms have left a wake of devastation in Central America over the last three weeks. Countries most affected by flooding and landslides include Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua where tens of thousands of people have sought refuge in shelters. Full story