assessment of the socio-economic and environmental impact

Figure 5.3: Eroded section of seawall along the main road in Manchioneal
Estimates of sediment deposits were not available during the assessment. However, sediment
deposits were reported at several locations. The storm surge and wave action of Hurricane Dean
inundated sections of the south coast with severe over-wash conditions that produced shoreline
erosion, sand dune damage and sedimentation. The areas of greatest erosion produced by
Hurricane Dean occurred along sections of the south coast and north eastern areas of Portland,
St. Thomas and St. Andrew.
There was significant flooding and deposition of sand on the Palisadoes Road caused by wave
action which made the road impassable for two days (Figure 5.4). The increased accretion of the
beach on the harbour side caused by Hurricane Ivan in 2004 extended even further as a result of
Hurricane Dean. This implies that the extent of the beach on the seaward side is reducing while
the width of beach on the harbour side is increasing. Given the usually high currents experienced
on the seaward side, the road is now more vulnerable. Also a pond approximately 20m from the
shoreline (created by Hurricane Ivan) on the seaward side has increased even further by
Hurricane Dean.
There was significant accretion of sand and debris on some beaches (up to 30m inland) such as
Old Harbour Bay, Rocky Point and along the Manchester coastline while erosion or starvation of
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