Mexican Airports and Authorities get Prepared for the 2017 Hurricane Season

24 April 2017, Miami, USA – The International Training Centre for Authorities and Leaders in Merida (CIFAL Merida) in close collaboration with the International Airport of Merida hosted the international workshop on “Hurricane Preparedness” that took place in Miami, Florida on 24 April 2017.
The workshop brought together representatives from Mexican airports and authorities from the Civil Protection Secretary of the State of Yucatan. The first day of the workshop included practical exercises led by experts from the Port Resiliency Program (PReP), which helps airports and seaports identify and address logistical and strategic weaknesses and build on existing strengths.

Mr. Hector Navarrete, Director of Regional Airports of Group ASUR and Director of CIFAL Merida highlighted “those areas that are most vulnerable to the impact of natural disasters must be prepared to respond to a crisis caused by a cyclone. Sharing experiences and learning from programs such as the PReP helps Mexican airports to strengthen processes and strategies in benefit of airports, but most importantly, to save lives”.

The Director of the Federal Secretary of Civil Protection of the State of Yucatan presented the “Cyclone Preparedness and Response Plan for the State of Yucatan”, which includes as its main objective to efficiently administer human, financial and physical resources to protect its citizens.

At the same time, Mr. Enrique Alcocer Basto, Director of the Secretary for Civil Protection of the Municipality of Mérida presented the special Tropical Cyclone Response Programme for the Municipality, which outlines concrete actions to protect the municipality and its citizens”.

The workshop concluded with interventions from experts and industry leaders such as Dr. Teo Babun, President & CEO of the Americas Relief Team, Mr. Frank Santeiro, Director General of Global Commerce Services for Latin America and the Caribbean of FEDEX, Ms. Suzanne Williamson, Director of Operations of American Airlines, Dr. James F. Smith, Technical Director of PReP, and Captain Ricardo Garcia, lead expert from the Port Resiliency Program.

Photo 1 & 2: Workshop participants