Hurricane Ivan 20th Anniversary
Past. Present. Grateful. Resilient.
On 11 September 2004, Hurricane Ivan unleashed its fury upon the Cayman Islands, leaving behind a trail of devastation that tested our resilience like never before.
With sustained winds roaring at a formidable 155 mph, gusts of up to 217 mph, storm surge of seawater between 8 to 10 feet and wave heights of 20 - 30 feet, Ivan tore through our homes, businesses, infrastructure, and our cherished environment. It would leave most of Grand Cayman submerged for two days.
Twenty years later, 2004 remains third on the List of 10 Most Extreme Atlantic Hurricane Seasons in Satellite Era - chief among those was Hurricane Ivan. Ivan left a trail of destruction from the Caribbean to the southeastern United States and was a major hurricane throughout that time. It would also spawn one of the greatest tornado outbreaks on record.
But in the face of such overwhelming adversity, the Cayman Islands rose up out of the destruction with extraordinary hope and strength.
On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Ivan, the Cayman Islands Government commemorates not just the destruction Ivan brought but the incredible spirit of resilience and unity that emerged from it. From the many selfless volunteers in the community who came out to help, to our fearless first responders who braved the aftermath, we all proved that together, the people of these islands can weather any storm.
As we look back at the many challenges faced, let's also celebrate the indomitable Caymanian spirit that defines our beloved Isles.
Commemorative Activities
Collaboration and Preparedness: Building a Resilient Future
Disaster preparedness is a shared responsibility. While the government plays a critical role in managing and responding to natural disasters, the resilience of our country depends on collaboration with the public. Each of us has a part to play in preparing ourselves, our families, and our businesses to recover more effectively from severe weather.
As our population grows, urbanisation increases, and climate change continues to impact us, more people and assets are at risk. By understanding the risks we face and knowing who in our communities may need help, we can strengthen our ability to cope with any storm that comes our way.
We encourage every household to take the preparedness survey. The information collected will help the Cayman Islands Government assess the level of preparedness across the three islands and ensure we are better equipped to serve the people. Together, we can build stronger, more connected, and resilient communities, ready to save lives and speed up recovery when disaster strikes.
Preparedness resources are also available for Caymanians and Residents to help us all stay ready and resilient.
Hurricane Ivan Documentary (Part 1)
Hurricane Ivan Documentary (Part 2)
Premier's Message
Governor's Message
Timeline of Events
Swipe/click through the images to track the full journey of Hurricane Ivan's impact on the Cayman Islands. Follow the timeline to uncover key moments before, during, and after the storm's devastation on 11 September 2004.
Past
The Cayman Islands has had an Official Hurricane Plan since the early 1970s. Regular revision would keep the plan current but the lessons learned from Hurricane Ivan forged a pivotal moment in our history that changed the approach the Cayman Islands Government took to Disaster Management.
The evolution that led to our swift and modernised crisis operations and emergency response was in direct response to the life-changing suffering Caymanians and residents endured because of Ivan.
Hurricane Ivan’s tragic and devastating consequences in the Cayman Islands, would cause an estimated US$3 billion in damages; the loss of two lives and 6500 residents displaced to shelters.
In January 2007, Hazard Management Cayman Islands (HMCI) would be established as the government agency responsible for coordination of all programmes dealing with national disasters, whether natural or man-made and implementing the National Hurricane Plan. The National Hurricane Committee was transitioned to the National Hazard Management Executive and Council.
Present
Today the Cayman Islands is secured by a significantly improved national disaster operations to ensure that all three islands are well prepared now and in the future.
Following the establishment of HMCI, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) and the National Hazard Management Plan in 2007, The Meteorological Office was officially recognised as the Cayman Islands National Weather Service (NWS) in 2010. In its inception it operated under the Ministry of District Administration, Works, Lands and Agriculture.
Today both HMCI and NWS operate under the auspice of the Cabinet Office.
The National Hazard Management Executive leads on all key decisions which is chaired by the HE the Governor and the Premier.
The Cayman Islands Government also strengthened the island’s building codes to better withstand inclement weather conditions and review them periodically.
The foundation of the Cayman Islands Regiment would follow in 2019 to further provide disaster relief and security within the islands during times of crisis.
The Cayman Islands Government along with private and charitable organisations, friends of Cayman and through our ties with the United Kingdom, which have been strengthened in the years after Ivan, all fuse together to build a wall of protection from natural disasters.
Grateful
In the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan a lasting sense of gratitude was also discovered. That gratefulness could not be buried in the rubble or swept out by the seas.
Twenty-years later we remain grateful for the resilient Caymanian spirit; for the kinship of our regional neighbours and friends of Cayman who came to our aid and helped us to rebuild; for the vision and collaborative efforts to improve our crisis strategy and operations and most of all to God.
As we continue to develop and strengthen as a country we will never forget where our strength comes from. No matter what lies ahead we remain grateful to God our Rock and Shelter in the storm who has never left nor forsaken our beloved Isles or its people.
Resilient
The herculean task that has been accomplished by the people of the Cayman Islands to recover from Hurricane Ivan is testimony to our resilience.
Recovering from a historic storm like Ivan would have been difficult in any jurisdiction, but for an island nation - made up of our three little rocks in the Caribbean Sea - with a comparatively small population, to have arrived where we are today is truly an accomplishment worth celebrating.
For the last 17 years, Hazard Management Cayman Islands has adeptly coordinated the Government’s comprehensive approach to potential disasters. This work happens collaboratively across sectors with representatives from key public services including: Policy Group, Emergency Response, Infrastructure, Human Concerns and Support Services – which make up NEOC.
The lessons in 2004 helped inform changes to the National Hurricane Plan to ensure the smooth provision of public services when disaster strikes.
This strategy is then used by government with the Premier and Governor working hand-in-hand as well as closely with partners from the business community, local community-based organisations like the Rotary Club, Lions Club, and the Cayman Islands Red Cross, as well the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) and other regional weather and disaster management partners. The United Kingdom is also now relied upon in times of crisis.
Undoubtedly a large part of the success of our recovery from Hurricane Ivan was due to this work that sought to bring government, business and people together to build resilience in the face of disaster.
As storms will continue to come our way it is important to keep nurturing our culture of resilience and preparedness.