Hurrican season in the Atlantic officially started on June 1st and meteorologists have forecasted that Central America and the Caribbean can witness a very active season. According to the forecasts, this season that will end on November 30th, is expected to have 11 tropical storms, of which six could turn into hurricanes.

During almost one week, representatives from 24 Red Cross National Societies of Central America and the Caribbean, as well as members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and of guest international organizations will meet in Panama to review and update hurricane plans for 2005, as well as to set new contingency plans and to define coordination mechanisms among the different actors.

"The objective of this meeting is to consolidate a common disaster response strategy for the region, in close coordination with external actors and donors. Last season was very active and the Red Cross response system worked very well", said Peter Rees, Head of the Operations Department of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

This week we will also sign a cooperation agreement between the Colon Free Trade Zone and the International Federation. "It is about the establishment of a warehouse of 467 square meters where humanitarian supplies will be stored and get more rapidly to beneficiaries", said Nilda Quijano, General Manager of the Colon Free Trade Zone.

Since 2002 the International Federation maintains a cooperation agreement with UNICEF for the pre-positioning of goods in the Pan-American Disaster Response Unit (PADRU). Now, UNICEF will also store its goods in this warehouse.

"This collaboration between UNICEF and the International Federation reflects the comittment of all humanitarian agencies and that of the United Nations system to work on natural disasters preparedness that so tragically beat our region", said Nils Kastberg, Regional Director of UNICEF for Latin America and the Caribbean.

Kastberg added "with coordinated and joint action we can act more effectively, so each year less people, adults and children, see their lives cut short because of natural disasters."

Last year, the International Federation sent to Caribbean countries affected by hurricanes a total of 350 tons of humanitarian aid in 12 flights chartered from the Pan-American Disaster Response Unit located in Panama. A total of more than 200, 000 people received direct assistance from the Red Cross.

Almost every year, 80% of forecasts become real. Season 2004 was very active; in only two months the region was devastated by four hurricanes leaving destruction on it pathway through the Caribbean .