On October 2014 I had the opportunity to visit Jamaica. This country is magic, the people, nature, the ocean is so incredible. After taking Geology 9 I have learned a lot about this country. I’m glad that I chose Jamaica, now I want to visit places that tanks to this class I learned about. Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles positioned in both the northern and western hemisphere It is located in the west-central Caribbean, surrounded by the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica measures about 145 mi. in length and as much as 50 mi. in width, about 4,300 sq. mi. Jamaica is the third largest island in the Caribbean. Jamaica became an independent nation on August 6, 1962.
Jamaica’s government is fairly new and still has to learn many things from the neighboring countries. The Island of Jamaica lies on the Caribbean Plate. The Caribbean Plate lies in a complex area with two major plates and two minor plates bordering it. About 200 earthquakes are located in and around Jamaica per year most of which are minor, having magnitudes less than 4.0. Major earthquakes affected Montego Bay and Kingston in 1958, and Kingston in1993. Kingston, the most densely populated area is also the most active seismic zone. This is why I think earthquakes are a main natural hazard. Another main natural hazard would be hurricanes. Jamaica lies in the hurricane belt of the Atlantic Ocean and because of this, the island sometimes suffers significant storm damage. Hurricanes Charlie and Gilbert hit Jamaica directly in 1951 and 1988, respectively, causing major damage and many deaths. In the 2000s (decade), hurricanes Ivan, Dean and Gustav also brought severe weather to the island.
My recommendations for this two hazards are almost the same for both. Preparedness measures to evacuate people from potential danger zones. It is very important to meet the needs of victims when a disaster strikes. Somehow with the help of the internet and cellphones we could provide some type of early warning, emergency response, relief and recovery operations in emergency situations. The government could also provide training not only to the emergency departments but also anyone capable of helping on different areas on the island. If I was to construct my own house I would choose Claremont Jamaica. Claremont is close to an airstrip, the town is not very big, yet it has everything you need. Claremont is about 10 miles from the nearest beach. Jamaica’s economy is mostly based on tourism, there isn't many jobs but it would be an awesome place to retire.
http://www.jm.undp.org/content/dam/jamaica/docs/environment/SeismicForum2014/SimonMitchell-JamaicaEarthquakesODPEM2014.pdf
Dear Edgar,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your chosen hazards. It seems that the island can at least be prepared for these as you suggest and its population fair better outcomes in future disasters…I’ll be interesting to track the 2016 Hurricane Season and how it affects Jamaica!
A very complete final report-Thank you for sharing with us this wonderful country!