Tropical Storm Nicole - Planning Institute of Jamaica
Tropical Storm Nicole - Planning Institute of Jamaica
Tropical Storm Nicole - Planning Institute of Jamaica
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Proposed Projects<br />
Apart from projects designed to restore and rehabilitate damaged infrastructure and public buildings<br />
and facilities, the following projects are proposed to stave <strong>of</strong>f further damage, especially those<br />
associated with flooding:<br />
(i) Flood Prevention and Mitigation <strong>Planning</strong> through improved Sinkhole Management<br />
Sinkholes are a common feature <strong>of</strong> <strong>Jamaica</strong>’s limestone topography. Over the years, major flooding<br />
has occurred in <strong>Jamaica</strong> around sinkholes which dominate the limestone areas <strong>of</strong> <strong>Jamaica</strong>.<br />
Inappropriate land use in the areas surrounding sinkholes have <strong>of</strong>ten resulted in blockage <strong>of</strong><br />
sinkholes with the result that they are unable to perform their function <strong>of</strong> draining water away from<br />
the land surface. This has caused flooding in several areas, some <strong>of</strong> which have led to significant<br />
damage and losses. The instances <strong>of</strong> flooding associated with sinkholes could be reduced with<br />
improved management <strong>of</strong> these physical features. This could be facilitated with better information<br />
about sinkholes, which would facilitate the prevention and mitigation programmes. This project<br />
proposes to reduce sinkhole flooding by mapping sinkholes, undertaking geologic and hydrologic<br />
analyses <strong>of</strong> sinkholes; and developing a prevention and mitigation management plan for sinkholes.<br />
This would include establishing buffer zones to ensure and improve drainage capability including the<br />
drilling and use <strong>of</strong> drainage wells.<br />
(ii) Hydrological Modelling <strong>of</strong> River Flooding<br />
Riverine flooding is a major contributor to natural disasters in <strong>Jamaica</strong>. The spread <strong>of</strong> water over<br />
the flood plains <strong>of</strong> these rivers has a temporal component which is not normally captured in the<br />
traditional way <strong>of</strong> preparing flood hazard maps and as such do not provide the right information to<br />
aid development planning. Simulating scenario floods through modelling can help in these cases.<br />
This project will execute hydrologic modelling <strong>of</strong> major rivers (riverine flood flows) to determine<br />
flood boundaries. The outputs <strong>of</strong> the project will provide local authorities with information to<br />
guide approval <strong>of</strong> development within the various boundaries. It will also be <strong>of</strong> assistance to<br />
disaster planners for the development <strong>of</strong> evacuation plans<br />
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