News
IDB says Jamaica at risk of US$105 m annual loss from hurricanes
Monday, August 30, 2010
AN Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) report on Jamaica's catastrophe risk profile has revealed that the country is at risk of average annual losses of US$105 million due to hurricanes and US$30 million from earthquakes.
The study estimates the current exposure value of physical assets to earthquakes and hurricanes at approximately US$19 billion. These assets, the report said, mostly include transportation and communication infrastructure such as roads, bridges, residential commercial and industrial buildings and plants, and public utilities.
The findings from the report were released at a two-day workshop on disaster risk indicators hosted by the Planning Institute of Jamaica and the IDB recently at the PIOJ's offices in Kingston.
According to the PIOJ, the study said the parishes with the highest population density — St Andrew, St Catherine, Kingston and Clarendon — were more at risk from hurricane hazards.
According to the report, Jamaica is located in a high seismic and hurricane hazard zone with potential to be impacted by great destructive events.
IDB division chief for rural development, environment and disaster risk management, Héctor Malarín, in a presentation at the workshop, said "the figures will allow the government to make decisions regarding what is the best way to cope and reduce those expected losses that we have calculated".
The IDB has, at the same time, recommended that a more pro-active stance should be taken to disaster risk management and reduction; a comprehensive approach to include risk analysis, prevention and mitigation, financial protection and risk transfer, rehabilitation and reconstruction, and that emphasis should be placed on pre-disaster assistance.
The PIOJ said the workshop, which had more than 30 public and private sector representatives in attendance, was intended to enhance knowledge and awareness of the country's disaster risk and to facilitate sector dialogue with the Government on disaster risk management prioritisation and to explore opportunities for IDB support.
POST A COMMENT
You must first register and then login to be able to post a comment.
HOUSE RULES
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper – email addresses will not be published.
2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, and before commenting you need to register, conveniently, by clicking the link above.
Other Stories
A different kind of love story
3 comments
23-year-old dies in Mandeville crash
0 comments
3 comments
6 comments
No more fear; Rape victims coming forward
1 comments
3 comments
Drivers in Pen Hill Rd crash charged
0 comments
0 comments
0 comments
'Motty' Perkins was a hard fighter with a probing pen
5 comments
6 comments
Stalwart educator Joyce Peart hailed for her service to the young
0 comments
PICTORIAL: Dudley Thompson Funeral
0 comments
Seaton George McFarlane remembered for his winning smile and sense of humour
0 comments
Brazil jet makes forced stop after pilot attack
0 comments
0 comments
0 comments
Guns, ammunition seized in St James, Kingston
0 comments
Men hand over gun, ammo to Olympic Gardens police
0 comments
City air quality at acceptable standards – ODPEM
0 comments
RSS Feeds
