assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impact

Habitat Loss. Both terrestrial and coastal vegetation were damaged due to the force and wind
speeds of the hurricane. This is likely to affect habitats that are important roosting, foraging
and nesting sites for important bird species such as the White-crowned Pigeon (Bald Pate). In
addition, under extreme hurricane conditions, the loss of foraging and roosting habitat can result
in high juvenile and nestling mortality.
b) Coastal Erosion and Sedimentation
Storm surges of 7 to 9 feet (2 to 3 meters) battered sections of Jamaica’s coastline. Some sections
of the coastline, especially on the eastern and southern coast were badly eroded and damage done
to sea defence structure. Some of the major impacts included:
- Damage to 200 metres of seawall and adjoining roadway in Manchioneal (Figure 5.3).
- Damage to houses at Old Harbour Bay and Rocky Point
- Road failure at Roselle (which was impacted in Hurricane Ivan) caused by extensive
scouring and undercutting of the cliff face and shoreline;
- Destruction of housing and property in the Caribbean Terrace area immediately east of the
mouth of the Hope River and south of the Harbour View housing estate;
- Removal of protective boulders and destruction of sand dunes and coastal vegetation along
the Palisadoes peninsula which connects the Norman Manley International Airport and the
settlement of Port Royal with the rest of the island;
- Damage to fishing settlements and beaches in Portland, St. Thomas, St. Catherine and
Clarendon which includes extensive losses at Old Harbour Bay, Rocky Point and Portland
Cottage.
20 This is based on the assumption that each trap catches and average of 2 kg of fish per week.
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