Disasters in Antigua and Barbuda

Antigua and Barbuda is a two-island state, so disasters can affect national systems while creating additional access and supply problems for Barbuda. Atlantic hurricanes and tropical storms are the most consequential hazards. They can produce extreme wind, heavy rainfall, flash floods, storm surge and coastal inundation, followed by damage to electricity, drinking water, roads, telecommunications, ports, airports and homes. Drought and water shortages also require preparation. Earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides, severe thunderstorms, lightning, tornadoes and structural or urban fires occur less predictably. Volcanic ash and volcanogenic tsunamis are low-frequency external hazards; Antigua and Barbuda has no volcanoes. The National Office of Disaster Services, known locally as NODS-CU, is the national all-hazard coordination office for emergencies that exceed the capacity of a lead agency. It works through the National Disaster Organisation and the National Emergency Operations Centre, or NEOC. The National Disaster Plan and National Disaster Response Plan assign roles to national authorities, district committees and community partners. The Disaster Management Act 2002 provides the framework for risk reduction, preparedness, response, recovery, early warning, evacuation, risk assessment and information sharing. It also requires an annual National Disaster Response Plan and policy review. District Disaster Committees, District Disaster Coordinators and Community Emergency Response Teams support local preparedness, but district disaster committee participation is voluntary and open to community residents. The Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, or ABMS, issues public weather, tropical-cyclone, flooding and severe-weather forecasts and bulletins. A hurricane watch indicates that threatening conditions are possible in about 24 to 36 hours. A hurricane warning indicates that such conditions are expected within 24 hours or less. A flash-flood watch can become a warning at short notice. Information is distributed through ABMS, NODS, ABS Radio and Television, local media and public authorities. There is no verified evidence of one single nationwide public alert system or an active siren platform, so residents should monitor several official channels. A household emergency kit should include a battery-powered radio, flashlight and spare batteries, drinking water, durable food, medicines, hygiene supplies, infant supplies where needed, first-aid materials, a fire extinguisher, clothing, blankets, identification, important documents and cash. Before a storm, secure windows and doors, remove loose objects, store water, fill vehicle or generator fuel supplies where safe, and keep drainage paths clear. Know a meeting point and a path to higher ground. People in low-lying or coastal areas should understand their exposure to flooding, storm surge and tsunami inundation. After an earthquake, do not switch gas, water or electricity back on until the installation is considered safe. NODS coordinates national resources with government, private businesses and civil society. Operational partners can include the Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force, Royal Police Force, Fire Department, ABMS, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority, Public Works, port and airport authorities, the Red Cross and the Barbuda Council. The Fire Department has five stations, including one in Barbuda. For emergencies, call 911 or 999. NODS can be reached at 562-1551 or 562-1553, and emergency medical services at 562-2432 or 562-2433. The responsible agency and available assistance depend on the event and operational capacity. Follow instructions from local authorities during an evacuation. NODS guidance includes switching off electricity at the main switch, taking identification, documents, water and the emergency kit, and reaching a shelter before tropical-storm-force winds arrive. During flooding, storm surge or a tsunami threat, move to higher ground when instructed or when it remains safe to do so. Authorities and NODS open shelters according to the event; a complete, current public list of shelters, capacities and accessible paths was not consistently verified. Newly upgraded hurricane shelters were commissioned in June 2026. Formal assistance is coordinated through NODS, the NEOC and national lead agencies. CDEMA can support regional relief, information, training and response, and Antigua and Barbuda serves as a sub-regional focal point for Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat and Saint Kitts and Nevis. District coordinators, voluntary committees, the Red Cross, faith-based or community facilities and private partners can provide local support. Access is event- and capacity-dependent; no general public entitlement, fee schedule or priority system for disaster assistance has been verified. Recovery can last months or years. Authorities and partners assess damage and needs, provide relief, remove debris, arrange temporary accommodation and restore water, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and transport. Longer-term measures include stronger building practices, hurricane straps, building-code inspections, climate-proofing public buildings, resilient churches and community centres, and recovery of agriculture, fisheries and livelihoods. After Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, estimated damage reached US$136.1 million, losses US$18.9 million and recovery needs US$222.2 million. On Barbuda, 45 percent of houses were uninhabitable, 28 percent required complete replacement and all water sources were damaged. Critical infrastructure should be checked before residents return. Water production, tank rehabilitation, telecommunications redundancy and subsea-cable resilience remain relevant infrastructure concerns.