Crisis Response and Recovery | United Nations Development Programme

Crisis Response and Recovery

Restoring essential services, rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening institutions, and reducing vulnerability.

Small Island Developing States in the Eastern Caribbean face frequent and intensifying shocks - from hurricanes and volcanic eruptions to economic and public health crises. In this context, the UNDP Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Multi-Country Office (MCO) works with governments, communities and partners to ensure that crises do not reverse hard-won development gains.

When disaster strikes, UNDP focuses on protecting lives and livelihoods while supporting the earliest possible recovery, helping countries transition from emergency response to long-term resilience. Our work bridges humanitarian response and sustainable development - restoring essential services, rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening institutions, and reducing vulnerability to future shocks. UNDP also plays a key role in aligning crisis response with long-term national and regional development strategies, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Crisis Response in Action

La Soufrière Volcano Eruption Response

UNDP coordinated a three-phased approach to the relief efforts in St. Vincent and the Grenadines following the volcanic eruptions of the La Soufrière Volcano in 2021.

Young ladies with protective face masks

Crisis Response in Action

Covid-19 Response Programme

UNDP supported countries across the region to respond to the immediate impacts of the pandemic while also helping lay the groundwork for longer-term recovery and resilience.

Crisis Response in Action

Housing Support to Barbuda

In partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and the European Union, UNDP facilitated the repair and reconstruction of residential structures in Barbuda damaged in Hurricane Irma.

Yellow construction vehicle on a sandy beach beside stacked metal planks, sea and sky.

Crisis Response in Action

Resilient Restoration of Public Infrastructure

In partnership with the Government of Dominica and the Government of India, UNDP facilitated the rehabilitation of essential public infrastructure that was affected by Hurricane Irma.

Crisis Response in Action

Resilient Restoration of Schools - Dominica

In partnership with the Government of Dominica and the Government of India, UNDP facilitated the rehabilitation of schools that were severely damaged by Hurricane Maria.

Group of people beside a huge fallen tree blocking a village street, holding a the BVI flag.

Crisis Response in Action

Rehabilitation and Reconstruction - BVI

UNDP supported the recovery, rehabilitation and reconstruction of social and economic infrastructure in the British Virgin Islands, following the impact of Hurricane Irma.

Summary report cover for Hurricane Beryl assessment in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Crisis Response in Action

Hurricane Beryl Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report presents the background, context, effects, impact, recovery needs and recovery strategy following the impact of Hurricane Beryl in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in 2024.

Document cover titled "Grenada Hurricane Beryl Post Disaster Needs Assessment" with images and logos.

Crisis Response in Action

Hurricane Beryl Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) - Grenada

This Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report presents the background, context, effects, impact, recovery needs and recovery strategy following the impact of Hurricane Beryl in the tri-island State of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique in 2024.

Cover page: La Soufrière eruption plume over hillside town in Saint Vincent; government crest.

Crisis Response in Action

Soufrière Eruption Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

This document presents the background, context, effects, impact, recovery needs and recovery strategy of the devastation of the La Soufrière Volcanic Eruption on St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2021.

Crisis Response in Action

COVID-19 Programme Response Update

This report highlights UNDP’s support in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, in coordination with respective governments, to respond to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNDP slide showing Hurricanes Irma and Maria: One year on; woman in red hard hat.

Crisis Response in Action

Hurricanes Irma and Maria: One Year On

This report highlights UNDP’s response and support to affected islands, in coordination with respective governments, one year after the impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

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