Anticipatory actions to reach 2,500 families in Honduras ahead of Tropical Storm Sara

The Honduran Red Cross activated its Early Action Protocol (EAP) for Floods caused by Tropical Storms on 14 November 2024. Over a five-to-seven-day period (the lead time), it will steer the implementation of anticipatory actions ahead of Tropical Storm Sara. These actions will focus on promoting water, sanitation and hygiene measures, and livelihoods.

Reaching at-risk communities

According to the EAP’s intervention map, which considers hydrological forecasts alongside people’s vulnerability and exposure, the municipalities most likely to be affected in the north of the country are Tocoa, La Lima, San Manuel, Pimienta and Sabá.

Implemented in coordination with national authorities and local leaders, the anticipatory actions being carried out should reach around 2,500 families. At-risk communities in Tocoa, department of Colón, were prioritized for this intervention. The actions will address impacts related to the loss of livelihoods and household goods, the lack of access to food and safe water, and the possible increase in gastrointestinal diseases.

Tropical Storm Sara has already affected around 47,000 people nationwide, according to the Secretariat of State in the Offices of Risk Management and National Contingencies. This activation will support communities forecast to be in hit by the storm in the coming days.

Triggering the EAP

The EAP was activated when the pre-agreed thresholds (triggers) were reached, based on forecasts issued by the National Center for Atmospheric, Oceanographic and Seismic Studies and the National Hurricane Center.

This is the second time it has been activated; the first was ahead of Tropical Storm Julia in 2022. José Juan Castro, president of the Honduran Red Cross, highlighted the importance of having pre-positioned supplies and equipment to ensure an efficient activation: “Our experience in this second activation of the [EAP] will allow us to reach communities before the impacts of the floods fully materialize.”

In recent decades, Honduras has withstood several disasters associated with tropical cyclones, such as hurricanes Eta and Iota in 2020, and Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which brought irreparable losses to thousands of Honduran families.

A very active hurricane season was anticipated for 2024. In this context, the use of scientific and technical information becomes a fundamental tool to strengthen preparedness and mitigate the impact of these climatic events. 

Acting before a hazard to safeguard lives and livelihoods is not only an innovative approach to humanitarian assistance, but also complements efforts to accompany and contribute to the resilience of communities at risk.