In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact across the Caribbean, disaster management experts are emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced preparedness and infrastructure improvements in vulnerable regions. Jerry David, a senior disaster management coordinator at Trinidad and Tobago’s Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government, highlighted the critical vulnerabilities in the country’s flood-prone areas, particularly the Caroni plains and the Oropouche river basins. He stressed that while natural hazards are inevitable, human actions and inadequate planning often escalate them into full-blown disasters. David pointed out that improper construction practices, such as building settlements on hillsides and using substandard roofing materials, exacerbate the risks during hurricanes. He also lamented the lack of designated shelters in Trinidad and Tobago, urging for better-equipped community centers and schools to serve as safe havens during emergencies. The aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm and later hit Cuba as a Category 3, has left a trail of destruction, with at least 19 fatalities in Jamaica, widespread power outages, and thousands displaced. International aid agencies, including the Red Cross and the UN, have mobilized extensive relief efforts, delivering essential supplies and support to affected regions. David emphasized the importance of studying Melissa’s impact to refine disaster response strategies and improve future preparedness. The hurricane’s devastation has also sparked a broader conversation about the need for proactive measures, such as proper tree pruning, reinforced infrastructure, and community education, to mitigate the effects of future natural disasters.