A recent study carried out by the Mines and Geology Division (MGD) has revealed that Portmore and specifically the communities of Waterford, Caymanas Gardens, Independence City and Westchester are at risk of flooding, storm surges and seismic (earthquake) activity.

The study, entitled ‘Natural Hazard and Risk Assessment for Portmore, St Catherine’ was prepared in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“(It) shows that the municipality of Portmore is prone to flooding due to its location on the Rio Cobre flood plain. Once subjected to riverine flooding, Portmore is now faced with urban flooding since the construction of a dyke in the late 1960s,” said a release from the MGD. “Findings also reveal that Portmore is vulnerable to storm surges due to its coastal location on the south, especially the shoreline areas of Hellshire and Port Henderson. Storm surge mapping was conducted following hurricanes Ivan and Dean to determine Portmore’s level of exposure to this hazard.”

Regarding the threat of earthquake activity, the report indicates that the proximity of the municipality to the Blue Mountain fault region can produce earthquakes of significant magnitude, causing substantial damage to the community. Of the developed communities, Waterford is the most vulnerable to seismic hazards. The study has generated a Seismic Vulnerability Map to identify areas of Portmore that are vulnerable to the impact of an earthquake.

“Essentially, the purpose of the study is to reduce the vulnerability of Portmore to natural hazards, as Portmore has a history of inland and coastal flooding from storm surges. Many storms that pass through the island begin their entry along Portmore’s south coast. Also, an increasing number of persons are at risk as Portmore is the fastest growing community in the island,” said Norman Harris, director of research and mapping at the MGD.

The project, which began in July 2006, also includes loss-reduction strategies in disaster mitigation and management.

“As Portmore is flat and low-lying, there is an urgent need for improving the drainage system and regularly maintaining the existing ones to counteract flooding. Adherence to building codes and construction of sturdier structures are also recommended,” said Harris. “Additionally, the project has reviewed the evacuation plan in the event of a hurricane or earthquake and identified two alternative routes – the Portmore Causeway as the first exit option for communities closest to it and the section of Mandela Highway leading to Spanish Town as the last exit route in the event of a hurricane or flood event.”

Meanwhile, a flood hazard map and a flood vulnerability map have been prepared as tools to assist in the mitigation of flooding in Portmore.