Disaster Management in Guyana

Disaster Risk Management (DRM) in Guyana is coordinated by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Civil Defence Commission (CDC). Through a partnership with more than 30 different agencies at the local, regional and international levels; the CDC manages and reduces the risks of disasters countrywide.

A disaster is any event, natural or man-caused, which creates an intense negative impact on people, goods and services, and/or the environment, and exceeds the affected community’s internal capability to respond, prompting the need to seek outside assistance. One such example is the 2005 flood that affected Guyana.

Vision

To lead, coordinate and facilitate a sustainable Disaster Risk Management System for Guyana that reduces risk and enhances resilience to all hazards and impacts.

Mission Statement

To reduce loss of life, damage to property and improve quality of life in Guyana by leading, coordinating and supporting the nation in the development and enhancement of a comprehensive Disaster Risk Management System involving preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery.

About CDC

The Civil Defence Commission (CDC) was established in 1982, under the original purview of the Office of the Prime Minister, to make plans and conduct operations relevant to all types of disasters in Guyana. By 1985, a comprehensive National Disaster Preparedness Plan was documented and initiated. This Plan saw the CDC involved and at times spearheading Disaster Response and Recovery Missions such as coastal flooding and inland droughts. Prior to 1985, such responsibilities were handled by public authorities such as the Guyana Police Force, the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Fire Service, and various health services under the Ministry of Health.

In 1992, responsibility for the Commission moved to the Office of the President where a National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) was subsequently established. Due to Cabinet Note CP (97) 2:2, in February of 1997 the Commission was reconstituted, thus having a more modern and inclusive organizational structure. The following are terms that stemmed from the reconstitution:

• To identify disasters according to established criteria and classification;
• To produce plans for the management of national disasters;
• To identify and implement mechanisms for disaster response and mitigation;
• To maintain a permanent body, to enhance the national capacity for disaster management and response;
• To train human resources involved in disaster response mechanisms;
• To educate at all levels in the tenets of disaster responses

In September 2001 Standard Operation Procedures for the NEOC were upgraded to meet new challenges of the worsening domestic and international disaster situation. The NEOC is a multi-stakeholder platform operationalised to provide an enhanced coordinated mechanism that will prevent duplication of efforts, maximise resources and ensure all involved are working collectively as one team in tackling any disaster situation in Guyana. It includes representatives from several government ministries and agencies, the private sector, and civil society. The Civil Defence Commission receives support from organizations such as the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the United Nations (UN), United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). CDEMA has 19 member states, Guyana being one, and aligns with the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Disaster Risk Management mandate.

Guyana is vulnerable to various natural and man-made hazards such as floods, droughts, high winds, earthquakes, mudslides, extreme temperatures, severe storms, oil spills, fires, epidemics, air and water pollution, structural damage, riots, and maritime, air and motor vehicle accidents. To combat such circumstances several plans and policies have been drafted and implemented by the CDC in collaboration with several stakeholders. These include but are not limited to; the Flood Preparedness and Response Plan, the Multi-Hazard Disaster Preparedness and Response Plan, Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis Plan, and the National Integrated Disaster Risk Management Plan (all of which and more can be found in our Documents Tab). The Commission is also accountable for, in partnership with national and community authorities, the management of shelters for those impacted by disasters and hazards; the monitoring and assessment of affected areas and structures; and the coordination of relief support to those affected.

All of the Commission’s plans, strategies and policies are aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030), which is a UN endorsed agreement of the post-2015 development agenda and provides Member States with concrete actions to protect development gains from the risk of disaster. There are 7 targets and 4 priorities which coincide with the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency’s (CDEMA) Comprehensive Disaster Agenda.

Targets:

1. Reduce global disaster mortality.
2. Reduce the number of affected people globally
3. Reduce direct economic loss in relation to GDP
4. Reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services
5. Increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies
6. Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries
7. Increase the availability of and access to multi hazard early warning systems

Priorities

1. Understanding disaster risk
2. Strengthening disaster risk governance to manage disaster risk
3. Investing in disaster risk reduction for resilience
4. Enhancing disaster preparedness for effective response and to “Build Back Better” in recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction

This year Guyana, through the CDC, will focus on targets E, F and G by putting systems in place to sustain the feed of data into the Sendai Framework.

The Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) Cycle.

Guyana, through the CDC, has embarked on a Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM) programme that illustrates the cyclic process by which we plan for and reduce the impact of disasters,  taking steps to recover after a disaster has occurred. Appropriate actions at all points in the CDM cycle will lead to greater preparedness, better warnings, reduced vulnerability or the prevention of disasters during the next repetition of the cycle.

Guyana Strengthens National Multi-Hazard Alert Systems

Guyana has initiated a strategic National Consultative Workshop focused on enhancing Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (EWS) across the country. The workshop is part of a broader agenda to establish a fully integrated, people-centred early warning framework that aligns with international standards and addresses the increasing risks associated with climate variability and natural or man-made disasters.

The two-day session brings together national institutions, regional entities, and international organisations to advance technical coordination and multi-sectoral collaboration in disaster risk reduction. It supports the development of a robust system capable of issuing timely alerts and facilitating efficient responses, thereby protecting lives, economic assets, and critical infrastructure.

Key areas of focus include the strengthening of institutional coordination at both national and local levels, the integration of multi-hazard risk assessments into operational planning, and the expansion of communication mechanisms for alert dissemination. Multiple platforms such as digital alerts, SMS, and community radio are under review for broader coverage and accessibility, particularly in vulnerable communities. Capacity building, inclusive planning, and public engagement are central to ensuring that these systems serve all segments of society effectively.

The workshop also seeks to align Guyana’s early warning strategies with global frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, reinforcing commitments to sustainable and climate-resilient development. With contributions from regional and international partners, this initiative represents a significant step forward in building a comprehensive early warning ecosystem capable of addressing hydro-meteorological, geological, and biological hazards.

The outcome of the workshop is expected to inform the operationalisation of a sustainable and adaptive EWS that supports national preparedness and resilience-building efforts.

News and Image Source: Department of Public Information

Guyana hosts National Consultative Workshop to strengthen Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems for all

June 24, 2025

The Government of Guyana, through the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), in collaboration with the United Nations Office of Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), today convened a National Consultative Workshop for Multi-Hazard Early Warning for All (EW4ALL). This landmark event brought together national stakeholders, regional partners, and international agencies to enhance Guyana’s national framework for early warning and disaster preparedness.

Other regional and international partners that support the workshop include the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the International Federation of the Red Cross, and the International Telecommunication Union.

The event opened with welcome remarks from Colonel Nazrul Hussain, DirectorGeneral of the Civil Defence Commission (CDC), followed by opening remarks by Ms. Jean Kamau, UN Resident Coordinator in Guyana. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Alfred King, Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Prime Minister, his address reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening national resilience and promoting climate adaptation through early warning mechanisms.

The workshop forms part of Guyana’s ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive, people-centred Early Warning System (EWS), aligned with international best practices. The goal is to ensure timely alerts and effective response measures to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure from the impacts of natural and man-made hazards.

Key themes of the workshop included:

• Strengthening institutional coordination for early warning at the national and local levels
• Integrating multi-hazard risk knowledge, monitoring, and response
• Enhancing communication and dissemination protocols using multiple platforms, including digital alerts, community radios, and SMS
• Empowering vulnerable communities through training and inclusive planning
• Aligning national actions with global frameworks such as the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction

The workshop will be held over the next two days and will conclude on Thursday, June 26, 2025. During this time, participants will review Guyana’s Early Warning System Framework and discuss strategies to operationalise an integrated and sustainable early warning system (EWS) that addresses all hazards, including but not limited to hydro-meteorological, geological, and biological risks.

Guyana is currently confronting heightened climate variability and an increase in disaster risks. This workshop represents a crucial advancement in ensuring that all individuals have access to early warning systems and are adequately prepared for potential disasters, emphasising the importance of inclusivity in these efforts.

The Civil Defence Commission extends heartfelt thanks to the UNDRR, CDEMA, the WMO, and all regional and local stakeholders who contributed to the success of this workshop

Useful Documents