To,
The Director, Looking forward to the scope of work and partnership opportunity with Civil Defence Commision (CDC), Dominica
Subject: Proposal for Technical Cooperation and Partnership to Strengthen Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, Disaster Risk Governance, and Civil Defence Commision (CDC), Dominica.
Dear Sir,
Greetings from the Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Development and Implementation Center (MHEWC).
MHEWC is a specialized technical knowledge and solutions platform dedicated to strengthening climate and multi-hazard risk governance, disaster risk management, and the design and operationalization of integrated, end-to-end, people-centered early warning systems. Our technical expertise encompasses institutional capacity assessments, hydro-meteorological observation and monitoring networks, geospatial risk intelligence, ICT- and AI-enabled Decision Support Systems (DSS), impact-based forecasting, anticipatory action, and disaster preparedness, response, and recovery management.
Recognizing the critical importance of strengthening the national disaster risk management capabilities, MHEWC would welcome the opportunity to establish technical cooperation and a strategic working partnership with the CDC.
In collaboration with CDC, relevant national hydro-meteorological institutions, sectoral ministries, local authorities, and other stakeholders, MHEWC is prepared to provide specialized technical assistance in the following priority areas:
1) Assessment and Modernization of Hydro-Meteorological Observation and Monitoring Networks
Conduct comprehensive technical diagnostics of existing hydro-meteorological observation stations and monitoring infrastructure, identify institutional and technological gaps, and develop a phased modernization and investment plan. This may include the technical design, installation, calibration, and integration of Automated Weather Stations (AWS), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, and real-time environmental and hazard-monitoring technologies to strengthen the detection, tracking, and forecasting of potentially hazardous conditions.
2) Strengthening Integrated Multi-Hazard Monitoring and Early Warning Capacities
Assess existing monitoring, observation, forecasting, and early warning capabilities and support CDC and relevant national meteorological and hydrological services in upgrading and integrating observation networks. This includes hybrid weather and hazard-monitoring systems, interoperable sensor networks, real-time data acquisition and transmission, and automated data ingestion into operational Decision Support Systems for multi-hazard monitoring, forecasting, and warning dissemination.
3) Modernization and Operationalization of the National Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
Undertake a comprehensive technical and institutional assessment of existing Emergency Operations Center facilities, operational procedures, communication systems, and information management infrastructure. Based on the findings, develop an EOC modernization roadmap and support the technical design, upgrading, and operationalization of an integrated National Emergency Operations Center and Situation Room.
The proposed EOC architecture would incorporate real-time hydro-meteorological observations, IoT-enabled monitoring networks, geospatial risk information, automated hazard tracking, impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, anticipatory action advisories, and coordinated emergency response management.
4) Development of ICT- and AI-Enabled Emergency Management and Decision Support Applications
Design and develop customized ICT- and AI-enabled applications to support automated hazard identification, real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, impact forecasting, emergency information management, and operational decision-making.
These solutions may include automated data processing, geospatial visualization, scenario-based impact analysis, threshold-based alert generation, emergency resource tracking, incident management, and decision-support workflows. AI-assisted outputs would be subject to appropriate technical validation and oversight by authorized national institutions.
5) Transformation of CDC’s Web Portal into an Integrated Geospatial Decision Support Platform
Provide technical assistance to assess and upgrade CDC’s existing web-based information systems into an integrated, geospatial, database-driven, and application-enabled Disaster Risk Information and Decision Support System (DRI-DSS).
The platform would support real-time hazard monitoring, climate and multi-hazard risk information management, institutional coordination, preparedness planning, anticipatory action, emergency response, recovery management, and evidence-based decision-making across national and subnational administrative levels.
6) Development of National Climate and Multi-Hazard Risk Assessment Frameworks and Risk Information Repositories
Develop standardized methodologies, analytical frameworks, technical tools, and operational guidelines for conducting climate and multi-hazard risk and vulnerability assessments.
Technical assistance would include the preparation of GIS-based hazard, exposure, vulnerability, and risk maps; multi-sectoral risk profiles; climate and disaster risk scenarios; and the establishment of a centralized, interoperable national risk information repository and geospatial database management system.
7) Design and Operationalization of End-to-End, People-Centered Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems
Support CDC and relevant technical institutions in designing and implementing integrated, end-to-end Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), aligned with the four pillars of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative.
Priority interventions may include:
- Hazard detection, monitoring, weather nowcasting, and forecasting services.
- Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) and Impact-Based Warning (IBW) systems.
- Forecast-Based Financing (FbF) and anticipatory action mechanisms.
- Development of hazard-specific triggers, Early Action Protocols (EAPs), and anticipatory response plans.
- Common Alerting Protocol (CAP)-enabled warning generation and dissemination.
- DSS-supported emergency preparedness, contingency planning, and response management.
- Development of operational guidelines, Standing Orders on Disaster, and institutional Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Strengthening last-mile warning communication, community preparedness, and coordinated early action.\
8) Integration of Climate and Disaster Risk Intelligence into Sectoral and Local Development Planning
Develop GIS-enabled databases, digital planning tools, and sector-specific risk information systems to support national ministries, government departments, municipalities, and local authorities in integrating climate and disaster risk considerations into development planning, public investment, and budgeting processes.
Technical assistance would focus on strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Climate Change Adaptation (CCA), Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), Locally Led Adaptation (LLA), resilient infrastructure planning, and climate-informed sectoral investment strategies.
9) Review and Strengthening of Multi-Hazard Preparedness, Emergency Response, and Recovery Plans
Review existing disaster preparedness, emergency response, contingency, and recovery plans at national, regional, municipal, and sectoral levels.
Support the development and upgrading of hazard-specific and multi-hazard operational plans, institutional coordination mechanisms, emergency communication protocols, resource mobilization procedures, and risk-informed recovery strategies consistent with CDC’s mandate and national disaster management priorities.
10) Strengthening National-to-Local Disaster Risk Governance and Institutional Capacities
Provide specialized technical assistance to strengthen the institutional, regulatory, organizational, and operational foundations of disaster risk governance.
This may include institutional assessments, capacity development, stakeholder coordination frameworks, interagency information-sharing protocols, technical training, knowledge transfer, and the preparation of phased, costed implementation roadmaps to improve national and local emergency management capabilities.
11) Technical Support to Climate Change, Meteorological, Hydrological, and Disaster Management Institutions
Provide targeted technical support to CDC, relevant climate change institutions, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHS), and other designated government agencies to strengthen climate information services, weather and climate monitoring, multi-hazard risk assessments, forecasting, early warning operations, climate resilience planning, and institutional technical capacities.
Such cooperation would be tailored to institutional requirements, existing technical infrastructure, priority hazards, and national development objectives.
Proposed Way Forward
MHEWC proposes initiating the cooperation through a joint technical consultation with CDC to identify priority institutional and technological needs, review existing capacities, and determine potential areas for collaboration.
Based on CDC’s priorities, we would welcome the opportunity to conduct an initial technical scoping and institutional capacity assessment, followed by preparing a practical, phased, costed technical cooperation and implementation roadmap.
Our approach emphasizes national ownership, technology transfer, institutional sustainability, interoperability, and the development of operational systems that connect hazard observation and risk intelligence with timely warnings, informed decisions, and effective anticipatory action.
We would be pleased to arrange a virtual meeting with your technical and management teams at a mutually convenient time to discuss potential collaboration and identify immediate opportunities for technical support.
We look forward to your favorable consideration and the opportunity to contribute to strengthening national disaster risk governance, multi-hazard early warning, and emergency management systems.
Yours sincerely,
Z M Sajjadul Islam
Director & Advisor
Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Development and Implementation Center (MHEWC)
Website: https://www.mhewc.org/cambodia/ http://www.glocs.org
Email: zmsajjad@gmail.com | sajjad@mhewc.org
Phone & WhatsApp: +88 01711 979179
Dominica Climate, Multi-Hazard Disaster Risk And Vulnerability
Dominica is a small mountainous island state in the Eastern Caribbean, highly exposed to climate shocks and natural hazards. Its disaster risk is shaped by tropical cyclones, intense rainfall, flash floods, landslides, coastal flooding, sea-level rise, earthquakes and volcanic hazards. The World Bank notes that Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 and Hurricane Maria in 2017 caused about US$1.8 billion in damages, almost three times Dominica’s GDP World Bank.
1. Climate Context
Dominica has a humid tropical maritime climate influenced by the North East Trade Winds, rugged topography and strong windward-leeward rainfall differences. Rainfall is very high, ranging from around 1,700-2,000 mm on the leeward coast to more than 7,600 mm in the mountainous interior. The wet season generally coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, from June to November Caribbean Regional Climate Centre.
Climate change is expected to increase heat stress, intensify heavy rainfall events, raise sea levels, warm oceans and increase the destructive potential of major hurricanes. Climate projections indicate that Category 4 and 5 hurricanes may become more frequent, maximum wind speeds may increase, and rainfall inside hurricanes could rise, increasing flash-flood and landslide risk CIMH/OECS climate profile.
2. Main Hazards
| Hazard | Risk and Vulnerability |
|---|---|
| Hurricanes and tropical storms | Dominica lies within the Atlantic hurricane belt and is highly exposed to intense winds, heavy rainfall, storm surge, infrastructure damage and livelihood losses. Hurricane Maria made landfall in 2017 as a Category 5 storm, causing catastrophic national impacts. |
| Flash floods and river flooding | Short, steep watersheds, intense rainfall, limited flat land and settlement near rivers increase flash-flood risk. Floods can damage homes, roads, bridges, water systems, farms and tourism assets. |
| Landslides and mudslides | Rugged volcanic terrain, steep slopes, saturated soils and heavy rainfall make landslides a major secondary hazard during storms. Tropical Storm Erika triggered destructive flash floods, landslides and mudslides. |
| Coastal flooding and storm surge | More than 90% of the population lives near the coastline, making communities, roads, ports, utilities and tourism infrastructure highly exposed to storm surge, erosion and sea-level rise GFDRR. |
| Drought and water stress | Although Dominica is one of the wetter Caribbean islands, drought occurs and can affect water supply, rain-fed agriculture, livestock, ecosystems and hydro-dependent services. |
| Earthquakes | Dominica is exposed to regional seismic risk, which can damage buildings, roads, slopes, ports, water systems and emergency facilities. |
| Volcanic hazards | Dominica is one of the most geologically active islands in the Caribbean and is susceptible to volcanic hazards, including ashfall, gas emissions, lahars and localized eruption-related impacts GFDRR. |
| Heat stress | Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves can affect health, labor productivity, agriculture, ecosystems, water demand and vulnerable groups. |
| Climate-sensitive health risks | Flooding, heat, water contamination and displacement can increase risks of diarrhoeal disease, vector-borne disease, injury, mental stress and service disruption. |
3. Exposure And Vulnerability Drivers
Dominica’s vulnerability is strongly influenced by its small size, mountainous terrain, narrow coastal settlement pattern and dependence on climate-sensitive sectors. Flat land is limited, so roads, settlements, critical infrastructure and economic assets are concentrated along the coast and in river valleys. GFDRR notes that agriculture and eco-tourism, two major economic drivers, are closely tied to the natural environment and therefore highly vulnerable to disasters GFDRR.
Key vulnerability factors include:
- Coastal concentration of population, infrastructure and services.
- Steep terrain and short river basins that generate rapid runoff.
- Housing and roofs exposed to extreme wind damage.
- Landslide-prone slopes and hillside settlements.
- Dependence on agriculture, tourism, forests, rivers and coastal ecosystems.
- Small-island fiscal constraints and high reconstruction costs after disasters.
- Exposure of roads, ports, electricity, water and telecommunications to storm damage.
- Increasing climate pressure from heat, intense rainfall, sea-level rise and stronger hurricanes.
4. Major Disaster Impact Evidence
Hurricane Maria caused extensive national damage. The post-disaster assessment found damages of about US$930.9 million and losses of about US$380.2 million; housing was the most affected sector, and electricity service stopped completely after the storm because of severe network damage GFDRR PDNA summary.
Tropical Storm Erika in 2015 also caused severe rainfall-triggered flooding, landslides and losses estimated at about 90% of GDP, demonstrating how even non-hurricane systems can create national-scale disaster impacts in Dominica GFDRR.
5. Sectoral Impacts
Agriculture is exposed to wind damage, flooding, drought, landslides, crop disease, soil erosion and market disruption.
Tourism is vulnerable to damage to beaches, forests, coral reefs, trails, rivers, roads, airports, hotels and cultural/nature-based attractions.
Water resources are affected by drought, landslide sedimentation, damaged intake systems, flooding, contamination and saltwater intrusion in coastal zones.
Infrastructure faces repeated damage from cyclones, floods, slope failure and storm surge, especially roads, bridges, housing, schools, health facilities, ports, electricity and telecommunications.
Ecosystems, including forests, rivers, coral reefs and coastal habitats, are highly exposed to stronger storms, warming seas, erosion and human pressure.
6. Overall Risk Statement
Dominica faces a high multi-hazard risk profile where hurricanes, floods, landslides, coastal hazards, earthquakes and volcanic risks overlap with climate change, coastal concentration and economic dependence on natural-resource-based sectors. Climate change is likely to increase the severity of hydrometeorological hazards, while the country’s small size means that one major event can affect the whole population, economy and infrastructure system.
7. Priority Risk Reduction Needs
- Strengthen multi-hazard early warning for hurricanes, flash floods, landslides, drought, heat and coastal hazards.
- Improve rainfall, river-level, landslide and coastal monitoring networks.
- Expand impact-based forecasting and last-mile warning communication.
- Update flood, landslide, storm-surge, seismic and volcanic risk maps.
- Strengthen resilient housing, roofing and public infrastructure standards.
- Protect watersheds, forests, slopes, rivers, coral reefs and coastal buffers.
- Climate-proof roads, bridges, ports, electricity, water and health facilities.
- Strengthen disaster risk financing, contingency planning and social protection.
- Integrate climate risk into agriculture, tourism, land-use planning and public investment.
- Continue building institutional capacity for resilient recovery and climate-resilient development.