NATURAL HAZARDS

A natural hazard is the risk resulting from processes associated with the lithosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. A natural disaster is the effect of the event on the physical and human landscapes, especially in areas of high population density.

NATURAL HAZARDS IN THE CARIBBEAN

Hurricanes - In the period 1910 - 1930, north Atlantic hurricanes averaged 3.5 per year which increased to an average of 6.0 per year between 1944 and 1980. Since 1960 a slight decrease in frequency has been observed, but intensities and magnitude have increased significantly. Some of the most severe hurricanes of the century have been experienced in this period and include David, Frederick, Allen and Gilbert. In the 110 years between 1871 and 1980, 119 hurricanes. traversed the eastern Caribbean.

Earthquakes - Earthquakes have been a persistent natural hazard resulting in disasters at various times in the region. Fatalities and great losses of property have accompanied several of the earthquakes. Major disasters occurred in Jamaica (1692, 1907), Cape Haitien (1842) and Pointe-a-Pitre (1843). Each event resulted in large losses of life and major damage to property. While not as recurrent as hurricanes, earthquakes do pose a serious threat to the Caribbean region.

Floods - In more recent times the disharmony between human uses of the environment, especially landuse, and natural systems has resulted in repeated flooding in Jamaica (1979, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988), Barbados (1970, 1984, 1986, 1988) and Trinidad (1988). Run off from areas where natural vegetation has been removed for roadways, farm fields, urban structures, and other uses, may exceed the capacity of the local drainage pattern to accommodate the increased water. When that happens, the local vicinity may be flooded, or the water will rush down slope to flood lower lying areas.