With the start of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is urging countries to review contingency plans and strengthen preparedness measures to protect health systems from the impacts of hurricanes, floods, landslides, and other extreme weather events.
Although forecasts indicate that the 2026 hurricane season is likely to be less active than recent years, PAHO warns that even a single severe storm can cause significant disruption to health services and pose serious risks to public health.
“Extreme hydrometeorological events remain a constant threat across the Americas,” said Leonardo Hernández, Head of PAHO’s Emergency Operations Unit. “Preparing health systems before an emergency occurs is essential to protect lives, maintain access to critical services, and reduce the impact on the most vulnerable populations.”
Beyond infrastructure damage and disruptions to essential services, hurricanes and flooding can increase the risk of waterborne diseases, vector-borne diseases, respiratory illnesses, injuries, and mental health impacts. Health emergencies caused by extreme weather events can also place additional pressure on already stretched health systems.
PAHO is encouraging countries to ensure that health facilities have updated contingency plans, trained personnel, and coordination mechanisms that can support the continuity and rapid recovery of essential health services following an emergency. The Organization also recommends strengthening surveillance systems and community-based monitoring to facilitate the early detection of health risks associated with hydrometeorological events.