How Colombia's tropical islands prepare for the next storm

Partnering with Twilio to help communities act before disaster strikes

In San Andrés, participants perform a hands-on fire response drill in an emergency preparedness workshop to strengthen community resilience for future disasters.

July 14, 2026

For many Colombians, San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina are idyllic islands most known for the “Sea of Seven Colors.” It’s a destination where families gather to rest, celebrate, and take in the beauty of the Caribbean. The archipelago has long been a deeply valued part of Colombia’s cultural identity and natural richness.

Lessons from Hurricane Iota

But in 2020, everything changed. As the world faced the uncertainty of the pandemic, Hurricane Iota struck the islands with devastating force. Providencia was hit hardest: nearly 98% of its infrastructure was destroyed. While the loss of life was limited, the experience remains vivid in the memory of many residents. For hours, the wind roared without pause and entire communities watched their island change overnight.

Artist and community action board leader arelys painted this artwork days after hurricane iota, capturing the devastation across san andrés. — Artist and Community Action Board leader Arelys painted this artwork days after Hurricane Iota, capturing the devastation across San Andrés.

While reconstruction moved forward in the wake of the hurricane, delays and challenges revealed how exposed the island remains. Its location makes it vulnerable to cyclones and hurricanes, and climate change is intensifying that risk. Storm seasons are arriving earlier, lasting longer, and growing more unpredictable.

Preparing earlier, responding faster

This context makes one thing clear: responding after disaster strikes is not enough. Preparing in advance is essential.

Mercy Corps is working alongside communities in San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina islands to prepare before the next big emergency. While Mercy Corps has worked in Colombia since 2005, support of the islands marks a new commitment in a region where we had not previously operated, grounded in partnership, local knowledge, and anticipatory action.

During an emergency readiness workshop, participants learned how to coordinate rescue, evacuation, and first aid to prepare for future disasters in san andrés. — During an emergency readiness workshop, participants learned how to coordinate rescue, evacuation, and first aid to prepare for future disasters in San Andrés.

Communities are improving coordination and readiness to reduce the effects of severe climate events. This work focuses on two areas:

Preparing for disasters: We help communities make plans and act once floods, storms, and other extreme weather events are forecasted. Through collaborations with partner organizations, we’re strengthening local response efforts, and access to cash support before emergencies happen.
Getting information sooner: We improve early warning systems and communications so people can act quickly when risks arise. We provide access to timely, life-saving information through technology.

At the heart of this work are Community Action Boards—groups that represent local residents and work with local government to address community needs and monitor local weather data. When severe weather threatens, Community Action Boards can quickly share emergency plans, coordinate with local services, and deliver cash assistance before disaster strikes. Acting early helps communities protect lives and livelihoods, respond more effectively, and recover quicker.

Technology for faster, smarter responses

Partnerships are central to this effort. With support from Twilio, we are using technology to connect people with information they can act on. At the start of hurricane season, we launched a mobile messaging channel that gives communities timely updates, preparedness information, and early warnings about approaching hurricanes and flooding. With these resources, people can make informed decisions and act before disaster strikes.

Mercy corps team member shares the latest emergency response tools and practices during a community visit with san andrés resident, maría esther. — Mercy Corps team member shares the latest emergency response tools and practices during a community visit with San Andrés resident, María Esther.

This goes beyond digital tools—it’s about strengthening communication systems that reflect how communities live, respond, and support one another. Acting early helps communities protect what matters most, reduce losses, and prepare for a future that remains uncertain.

Anticipatory action is a commitment to the future of the families most affected by the effects of climate change already reshaping Colombia. Across the country, and the world, lasting change happens when communities lead and have the tools, resources, and support to prepare for what’s ahead.