Mobile Storage Units installed in Union Island to enhance disaster preparedness

In a milestone step toward improving disaster preparedness in the Caribbean, Mobile Storage Units (MSUs) have been constructed and positioned on Union Island, St Vincent and the Grenadines.

This is being spearheaded by the World Food Programme (WFP) in collaboration with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and the CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit (CDRU). The project is designed to enhance operational capacity of the National Emergency Management Organization, particularly in response to natural disasters.

Union Island, like most of the Caribbean, is very vulnerable to hurricanes and various natural disasters. These MSUs will be an installation that puts the region one step ahead in case of any eventuality in disaster response.

Being portable, strong, and deployable within very short periods, these units are perfect for storing critical stocks in relief supplies, from food and water to medical equipment. Prepositioning these resources better enables the region to respond more efficiently and quickly to any disasters as they strike.

The involvement of the WFP early in the process, speaks for the global commitment toward disaster resilience enhancement in vulnerable regions. WFP is the lead humanitarian organization in fighting hunger globally and brings experience in logistics and supply chain management, which ensures these MSUs are well kitted and ready for use.

These units are thus deployed in line with WFP’s broader mission of supporting communities in crisis times by availing essential supplies where they are needed most.

The coordination of disaster response across the Caribbean from CDEMA is an integral factor in the success of this initiative. Through regional partners, CDEMA ensures that MSU deployment aligns with broader regional strategies on Disaster Management.

The CARICOM Disaster Relief Unit, a specialized unit of CDEMA, has made available integral manpower and logistical support for the rapid and seamless assembly of these units in Union Island.

These MSUs have been a large power-up in operational capacity for National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO) in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Additional storage allows NEMO to handle and distribute relief supplies acquired during emergencies, ensuring that assistance delivery goes out to affected communities on time.

The act by international and regional partners underlines one key thing: coordination in disaster response and preparedness.

In the long run, these MSUs established on Union Island will serve to boost the region’s resilience to natural disasters. This will increase storage capacity and secure stocks of essential supplies before the time, building the community to face disaster and its aftereffects at a later stage.