Flooding from Tropical Storm Nicole (JIS Photo)

Following the effects of five major hurricanes since 2004, along with two significant tropical storms, the Jamaican government is spearheading a study of coastal hazards and vulnerability. The study will be performed through the Planning Institute of Jamaica and funded by a technical assistance grant from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery, which is an agency of the World Bank. “Between 2002 and 2007, we had three major hurricanes, six storms, with several flood events,” said Ronald Jackson, Director-General of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. “If you look at the GDP impact, we are talking about an average of 3.2 percent of GDP.” He said Jamaica is ranked as one of the areas most vulnerable to natural disasters. Yesterday, Sen. Desmond McKenzie called for new legislation focusing on natural disasters, including mandatory evacuations of vulnerable areas before storms hit.

–Jamaica Information Service