NetHope’s Response to Hurricane Erick: Updates on Our Activities and Coordination Efforts

As Hurricane Erick continues to affect communities across the Caribbean and beyond, NetHope is actively engaged in providing critical support to our Members and partners. This blog highlights the recent activities and efforts undertaken by NetHope in response to the hurricane, focusing on our internal work and partner coordination.

Swift Mobilization and Member Support

Less than 24 hours of Hurricane Erick making landfall in the Mexican state of Oaxaca, NetHope mobilized its resources and initiated outreach to Members to offer immediate support. We hosted a Member Coordination Call to address urgent needs and align our collective response strategies. This call provided a space to begin understanding the situation on the ground and identifying areas where support may be needed.

Ongoing Assistance to Restore Connectivity

We are offering support to Member organizations who will be working to restore power and connectivity in areas impacted by Erick, particularly in southern and southwestern Mexico. This support is vital for enabling needs assessments, coordinating response logistics, and supporting affected populations—especially in areas previously hit hard by Hurricane Otis in 2023.

Resource Allocation

To assist our Members, we’re also offering flexible cash grants, digital protection via our virtual CISO, and surge deployment support.

Information Sharing and Resource Consolidation

NetHope has consolidated and disseminated relevant information resources to support our Members in tracking the storm’s impact. These resources aid in assessing the digital and operational technology needs arising in the impacted area.

Partner Coordination Efforts

In response to emerging needs, NetHope is connecting Members with technology partners to provide:

• Deployment of Satellite Terminals: Including the potential use of Starlink Emergency Response Packages to rapidly re-establish internet access.
• Connectivity Expansion: Distribution of Cisco Meraki routers and access points to support operations at shelters, field offices, and distribution hubs.
• Digital Coordination Tools: Leveraging platforms like monday.com to streamline emergency response planning, data collection, and inter-agency communication.

Next Steps

NetHope remains committed to supporting our Members and partners through this critical period. As the situation continues to evolve, our focus will remain on coordinated response efforts, timely resource delivery, and enabling digital-first solutions that enhance the resilience and effectiveness of humanitarian response across impacted areas.

Ensuring continuity of communication and internet access is critical during a crisis. If you need support or would like to help, reach out to us at communications@nethope.org.

NetHope relies on surge donations to support our emergency response. Please consider a gift today: https://nethope.org/?form=help-nonprofit-sector-now