PAHO Urges Health Systems to Brace for 2025 Hurricane Season

PAHO is urging countries in the Americas to review and strengthen their health system contingency plans as forecasts predict above-average hurricane activity for the 2025 Atlantic season, which officially began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

“Activating preventive measures to protect people and healthcare infrastructure prior to an extreme weather event is crucial to reducing the impact, particularly on the health of vulnerable communities,” said Leonardo Hernández, Head of Emergency Operations Unit, PAHO. 

The call to action follows the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s forecast (NOAA), which estimates a 60% chance of an above-normal season. NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms with winds of at least 39 miles per hour, of which six to 10 could become hurricanes. Up to five of these may develop into major hurricanes, meaning Category 3 or above, with winds of 111 miles per hour or higher.

This year’s elevated forecast is attributed to factors such as warmer Atlantic sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear, which are conditions conducive to tropical cyclone development. PAHO’s preparedness message aligns with broader efforts to mitigate the cumulative strain on health systems already facing pressures from other public health challenges.

PAHO’s warning emphasizes the growing health risks linked to extreme weather. In addition to causing physical damage and interrupting access to essential services, hurricanes and associated events such as flooding and landslides heighten the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea, vector-borne illnesses such as dengue and Chikungunya, and respiratory infections.

The 2024 hurricane season, which saw 18 named storms and five major hurricanes including Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm on record, highlighted the economic and health-related vulnerabilities across the region. Beryl alone formed in June, surpassing historical patterns and underlining the need for stronger disaster preparedness.

In response, PAHO has scheduled a virtual readiness meeting on June 10. The event will convene representatives from health ministries and civil protection agencies to exchange operational experiences and reinforce public health coordination efforts. PAHO continues working with national governments to update emergency response plans and improve intersectoral coordination at both national and local levels.

PAHO advises governments to ensure that medical supplies are stocked, healthcare facilities are structurally secure, and emergency response personnel are adequately trained. The organization also stresses the importance of timely communication to the public and the integration of climate-related risks into national health planning frameworks.