Jamaica

JAMAICA . Disaster Vulnerability
2.4 Vulnerability of Infrastructure
Principal Highways, Airports, Ports
The road network is extensive throughout the island, however, the
principal roads connecting the north and south coasts are limited to
narrow two-lane highways, with little or no shoulders. The two principal
nortn-south routes cross through the mountains carrying all the commercial
traffic betveen Kingston and the northern population centers of Ocho Rios,
Port Antonio, and Montego Bay. Twisting along an interior fault line, the
roads wind their way through small towns to the coast. The potential for
traffic accidents including those involving tanker trucks carrying volatile
materials is great. Similarly, the ability of fire and other emergency
vehicles to reach the scene of an accident is hindered by the congestion
and limited passing area. The roads are overall well-maintained, being
hard-su'rfaced the entire perimeter and on the three north-south routes.
Secondary roads are hard surfaced around the larger towns, but are
primarily marl (a local stone) in other areas. During the dry season
these roads are quite passable. However, rain can cause large potholes
to form on the unpaved secondary roads, some big enough to engulf a car.
During heavy rains, even the hard-surfaced roads become dangerous as they
flood quickly.
The road along the north coast is built close to the sea at many
points and is therefore vulnerable to flooding and tidal surges. The
southern coast road from Kingston to Negril runs through the agricultural
plain until it returns to the coast at Black River. From Black River to
Negril the road parallels the coast; it was this area that experienced
substantial damage from the June 1979 floods. Several parts of the road
were completely washed away and the force of the water carried away the
foundations of several small bridgen. The roads here have been repaired
and some of the worst hit were elevated and rerouted several feet inland.
Airports
Jamaica's two principal airports are Norman Manley International in
Kingston and Sir Donald Sangster in Montego Bay. Numerous smaller and
private airstrips serve specialized communities (e.g., bauxite company
personnel). The Kingston Airport is situated on a narrow peninsula that
parallels the shore to form one of the best natural harbors in the world.
However, because the strip of land is so narrow, the road to the airport
is at sea level its entire length, making it highly vulnerable to flooding
and liquefaction.
Airport accidents are a concern. The airport in Kingston maintains
its own fire brigade, with some specialized equipment.
Hospitals
Hospitals and health centers serve vital functions at all times, but
especially during disaster relief operations. (See section 3.5, Medical
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