The Effect of Hurricane Sandy on Jamaica
The Effects of Hurricane Sandy on Jamaica
FOUNDATION SKILLS FOR GRADUATE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
The Three Main Effects of Hurricane Sandy that Affected Jamaica were Rainfall Induced Flooding, Storm Surges and Winds
STEPHANIE SMITH
Executive Summary
On October 22, 2012, it was announced by The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM,) that a tropical depression (Sandy) was headed towards the shores of Jamaica and that the arrival to our shores would be on October 24. On the 24th Sandy approached and the effects were devastating. The winds caused several trees to plummet, taking down power lines, utility poles and homes with them. The winds blew roof tops off and destroyed several produce causing a huge devastation to the agricultural sector. The rainfall caused several homes and roads impassible and even completely flooded a number of communities. The storm surges caused shores to be evacuated as the tides were too high and strong for shore home owners to weather the storm. .” 70% of Jamaicans were without electricity after the passage of Sandy due to down power lines, fire and blown transformers. Many roads were impassible due to trees that had fallen. “Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, says early estimates indicate that close to 11,000 farmers across the island have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, with some 1,500 hectares of crops “totally destroyed.” (Reynolds-Baker, 2012).” He goes on to highlight the breakdown of early estimates of damages that amounted to $700 million. . Understanding the effects such as wind damage, flooding and storm surges can better help us as Jamaicans and the Jamaican government to prepare for tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes. If the government takes short and long term steps along with its current hurricane initiative, it will reduce the amount of damages by a significant amount of dollars and the Jamaican society will be able to
FOUNDATION SKILLS FOR GRADUATE MANAGEMENT EDUCATION
The Three Main Effects of Hurricane Sandy that Affected Jamaica were Rainfall Induced Flooding, Storm Surges and Winds
STEPHANIE SMITH
Executive Summary
On October 22, 2012, it was announced by The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM,) that a tropical depression (Sandy) was headed towards the shores of Jamaica and that the arrival to our shores would be on October 24. On the 24th Sandy approached and the effects were devastating. The winds caused several trees to plummet, taking down power lines, utility poles and homes with them. The winds blew roof tops off and destroyed several produce causing a huge devastation to the agricultural sector. The rainfall caused several homes and roads impassible and even completely flooded a number of communities. The storm surges caused shores to be evacuated as the tides were too high and strong for shore home owners to weather the storm. .” 70% of Jamaicans were without electricity after the passage of Sandy due to down power lines, fire and blown transformers. Many roads were impassible due to trees that had fallen. “Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Hon. Ian Hayles, says early estimates indicate that close to 11,000 farmers across the island have been affected by Hurricane Sandy, with some 1,500 hectares of crops “totally destroyed.” (Reynolds-Baker, 2012).” He goes on to highlight the breakdown of early estimates of damages that amounted to $700 million. . Understanding the effects such as wind damage, flooding and storm surges can better help us as Jamaicans and the Jamaican government to prepare for tropical depressions, storms and hurricanes. If the government takes short and long term steps along with its current hurricane initiative, it will reduce the amount of damages by a significant amount of dollars and the Jamaican society will be able to
References: Irie FM. (2012, October 23). Education Ministry orders all schools closed tomorrow. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from IrieFM.net: http://www.iriefm.net/news/headline/education-ministry-orders-all-schools-closed-tomorrow Jamaica Observer Live Jamaica. (2012, October 23). Education Ministry Orders Schools Closed Tomorrow. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from Live Jamaica Updates: http://livejamaicaupdates.com/education-ministry-orders-schools-closed-tomorrow/ Live Jamaica Live Jamaica. (2012, October 23). Tropical Storm Watch Upgraded to Warning. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from Live Jamaica Update: http://livejamaicaupdates.com/tropical-storm-watch-upgraded-to-warning/ National Hurricane Center Reynolds-Baker, A. (2012, OCtober 28). Early Estimates Show 11,000 Farmers Affected By Hurricane Sandy. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from Jamaica Information Service: http://www.jis.gov.jm/news/leads/32107 The Weather Channel U.S. Embassy Kingston, Jamaica. (2012, October 23). Embassy of the United States, Kingston Jamaica. Retrieved November 6, 2012, from Hurricane Warning for Jamaica and Embassy Closure: http://kingston.usembassy.gov/travel_alerts.html