OCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

Published purpose

The Latin America and Caribbean region perennially experiences multiple natural disasters resulting from the hurricane season, and is frequently subject to prolonged seasonal rains. Recent trends show that the frequency of natural disasters in the region is rising with one-third of the total population considered vulnerable. Despite the presence of disaster management organizations and the high public awareness of disasters, the capacity of national authorities to disaster risk reduction varies from country to country. In supporting the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), CIDA's contribution is helping United Nations agencies, international and local non-governmental organizations, donors and governments in identifying and providing for the humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by natural disasters. OCHA's activities focus on strengthening field coordination and improving disaster preparedness and response in Latin America and the Caribbean.