Although the Cayman Islands are located in an area which can and does get affected by hurricanes, other natural disasters can occasionally affect us as well. Learn how to prepare for natural disasters in the Cayman Islands from hurricanes to earthquakes.
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The Cayman Islands Government has developed a dedicated department, known as Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI), which is tasked with responding to both man-made and natural disasters, should they occur. They are responsible for the National Disaster Management Programme, which includes preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery. Their main aim is to protect Cayman's residents and visitors by being prepared for every scenario of a disaster. This includes working with emergency responders to reduce loss of life, suffering, property and environmental damage. Visit https://caymanprepared.ky/ for more information.
Hurricane Preparednesskeyboard_arrow_right
A hurricane is a large rotating system of wind and water originating in the tropics with sustained surface winds of at least 74mph. It is the most common natural disaster that threatens the Cayman Islands. Hurricanes start as tropical disturbances when a mass of organised, oceanic thunderstorms persists. Hurricanes can be very dangerous and Hurricane Ivan was Cayman’s last major storm in September 2004. Two lives were lost during Ivan, and the Islands sustained a severe battering from 150 mph winds.
The hurricane season runs from the 1st of June to the 30th of November every year, so it is important to maintain a level of hurricane 'readiness' if you live here. But not to worry, this section of Cayman Resident is your personal hurricane preparedness guide, from where to shelter if you live in a low lying area to what company sells solid hurricane shutters.
Read MoreEarthquakes and Tsunamiskeyboard_arrow_right
Grand Cayman lies close to the boundary zone of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, which are seismically active.
The strongest recorded earthquake in the Cayman Islands occurred in January 2020 and measured 7.7 magnitude. Its epicentre was 67 miles from Cayman Brac and 154 miles from Grand Cayman. Although there were multiple reports of sinkholes and some reports of one-to-two-foot-high waves, no major structural damage occurred. Over 20 aftershocks were felt, with the strongest tremor measuring 6.1 magnitude.
Read MoreWaterspouts and Tornadoeskeyboard_arrow_right
Waterspouts are rotating columns of water formed by whirlwinds occurring over the sea. They sometimes form along the dark, flat bases of cumulus clouds and are sometimes seen in the coastal waters around the Cayman Islands. They are typically not harmful as they travel slowly, and the wind speeds associated with the waterspouts are usually less than 69 miles an hour. They are only active for about 20 minutes. Typically, these waterspouts dissipate quickly when they make landfall. They are often confused with tornadoes, which are a very rare phenomenon for the Cayman Islands and, historically, have caused little to no damage.
Read MoreEmergency Alert Systemkeyboard_arrow_right
In the event of a major emergency or disaster, the public is alerted through the National Emergency Notification System (NENS), local media and the Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) website and social media channels. NENS delivers real time updates directly to subscribers via email, SMS and app notifications. Alerts include key information such as the type of incident, location (if known), time, and any urgent safety instructions.
The NENS app is free to download at https://www.nens.gov.ky/. While it is a valuable tool, residents are still encouraged to plan. For ongoing updates and preparedness tips, follow HMCI on Facebook and Instagram (@CaymanPrepared) and their X account (formerly Twitter) (@CINEOC).
Read MoreImportant Numbers and Websites
In the event of an emergency, the phone numbers listed below will be able to assist you and, if you need it, these services will direct you to your nearest shelter.
Please bear in mind that ambulances will not be running during a hurricane, so if you have a health issue that may require medical attention it is best to go to an Emergency Medical Centre (EMC) shelter.
Helpful Numbers:
- Police/Fire/Hospital/Ambulance: 911
- National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC): (345) 949 6555
- Hazard Management CI: (345) 945 4624
- Red Cross: (345) 949 6785
- Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC): (345) 945 128
- Atlantic Aviation Grand Cayman: (345) 949 5252
The websites listed below may be the best source of information on the disaster and provide you with the latest updates. You can also get updates from Radio Cayman (89.9FM in Grand Cayman and 93.9FM in the Sister Islands). A battery operated radio is an invaluable resource in the event that your home or place of shelter loses power.
Helpful Websites:
- Cayman National Hurricane Committee: caymanprepared.ky
- Hazard Management Cayman Islands: www.facebook.com/caymanprepared
- Cayman Islands Government: www.gov.ky
- US National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov
- Caribbean Hurricane Network: www.stormcarib.com
- Weather Underground: www.wunderground.com
- Caribbean Utilities Company: www.cuc-cayman.com
- Atlantic Aviation Grand Cayman: www.atlanticaviation.com/locations/GCM
