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Hurricane Irma

Years :
  • 2017
Incidents :
  • Storm
Country :
  • Barbados

Description of the mission

Participants :
  • NO
Requester :
  • OCHA

In response to the impending arrival of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) swiftly mobilized to support the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team, focusing on strengthening communication infrastructure amidst anticipated widespread destruction. Given the hurricane’s unprecedented size and strength, which posed severe risks to Caribbean island states, IHP deployed two experienced ICT specialists from Norway’s Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB) to Barbados, acting as an early-entry hub for response efforts. This proactive, “no regrets” deployment allowed IHP to address anticipated communication breakdowns—crucial for an effective disaster response.

NASA Earth Observatory image by Joshua Stevens and Jesse Allen

The IHP specialists, trained to “help the helpers,” ensured that the UNDAC team had stable communication channels, thereby enabling continuous situational awareness and coordination with local authorities. The IHP deployment also allowed UNDAC experts, including a representative from Sweden’s Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), to respond effectively to the rapidly evolving crisis. The deployment, initiated even before the hurricane made landfall, underscored IHP’s commitment to supporting UNOCHA and national governments by facilitating early response measures that can be scaled up as needed.

Cover Image Credit: WFP / Gabriela Alvarado

Essential equipment supporting humanitarian success

Explore the critical equipment deployed during this humanitarian mission. From advanced medical supplies to innovative logistical solutions, each resource was meticulously selected to address urgent needs on the ground. These tools exemplify our commitment to delivering efficient, effective, and tailored support in the most challenging environments.
  • ICT Support

Other missions

  • TRIPLEX
  • 1998

TRIPLEX 1998

In June 1998, TRIPLEX took place in Camberley and at Manston Airfield in the UK, building on the success of the inaugural exercise. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), this large-scale simulation brought together humanitarian organizations, UN agencies, and EU Civil Protection teams to practice disaster response in a realistic and controlled environment. The exercise focused on improving coordination, assessments, and logistical support, with participants addressing challenges such as rapid deployment and operational interoperability. TRIPLEX 1998 highlighted the importance of collaboration and preparedness, reinforcing the capacity of humanitarian actors to respond effectively to complex emergencies.
  • Storm
  • 2007

Hurricane Dean

In response to Hurricane Dean's devastation in Jamaica in 2007, the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) deployed Sweden's ICT support module to assist the UNDAC team. This critical setup ensured robust communication and coordination in the aftermath of the disaster, enabling efficient humanitarian response and decision-making during a challenging recovery period.
  • TRIPLEX
  • 2008

TRIPLEX 2008

In September 2008, the TRIPLEX exercise took place along the Swedish-Norwegian border near Charlottenberg and Magnor. Organized by the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP), the simulation focused on a large-scale natural disaster scenario, bringing together humanitarian actors, UN agencies, and EU Civil Protection teams. Participants practiced critical response tasks, including coordination, assessments, and logistics, in a realistic cross-border setting. The exercise emphasized cooperation among diverse organizations and tested IHP support capacities, such as base camps and communication services. TRIPLEX 2008 provided a valuable training opportunity, enhancing preparedness and collaboration for effective responses to real-world humanitarian emergencies.

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