Flooding continues to be a major challenge for Jamaica once the country receives heavy rainfall from any weather system. Over the years, it has been noted that heavy rainfall is more devastating than associated winds of weather systems. Post-heavy rainfall the country is left with exorbitant restoration bills, which are costly personally and nationally.

Floodwaters from hurricanes Michelle, Charlie, Ivan, Dean, and Sandy; as well as tropical storms Nicole and Gustav, left the population of Jamaica nursing wounds caused by loss of and damage to property. This is compounded by interruption to communication networks, utilities, among others services. Understanding the associated struggles caused by flooding from these recent systems has heightened the call for Jamaicans to understand their fundamental role in the protection of life and property, and so attention must be given to pollution and land selection as it relates to flooding. 

Pollution

Pollution is caused by human activities. Notably, garbage is easily responsible for much of the flooding experienced by Jamaicans. We continue to dispose of our solid waste in ways that are harmful to the environment. This improper disposal of garbage severely impacts communities when it rains heavily because the refuse frequently clogs already inadequate drainage systems, gullies, and streams.

Campaigns such as ‘Nuh Dutty Up Jamaica’ are imperative in tackling this unfortunate practice, but the population, too, urban and rural, must accept their role and commence the practice of disposing of their garbage in ways that do not lead to the blockage of existing drains. Flooding will continue to be a prevalent problem in Jamaica once the respective waterways are clogged, thus continued loss and damage of property. It is useless to demand the Government’s assistance when personal responsibility is not yet accepted. Both units must work as one to combat this issue, starting with responsible disposal of garbage.

Research has confirmed the role of pollution in flooding. Drains can’t channel floodwaters while they are clogged by debris/garbage from human activities. Hence, more focus is required on the practice of proper garbage disposal.

Though the challenge is not unique to Jamaica it doesn’t mean we should find comfort in the same. Instead, we need to mobilise our efforts to ensure our drains are kept clean. The economic cost of flooding is far more expensive than the cost of keeping them clean.

It is unflattering that our narrative when it rains is predictive. We are never surprised by the floodwaters covering the roadways; regrettably, it has become a part of our lives. 

Land selection

Educating the population on proper land selection in establishing settlements is of utmost importance for flood prevention within a country. It is best practice to examine the site and situation when establishing any form of structure. Too often the media reports houses being washed from a slope, rocks crushing properties, and premises becoming inundated because structures were erected in unsuitable areas.

It should be noted that when water has nowhere to go it settles; when land, especially on a slope, becomes overly saturated it moves. Flat sites usually pose a problem for storm water drainage with high possibilities of being waterlogged.

Understanding that some individuals lack choices in where they live is an indication that it is time for more low-income housing solutions that will remove individuals from these poor choice areas. However, while the Government works on this initiative it would be incredibly useful for residents to start observing their environment and deciding on better areas for building. This will reduce the number of individuals who leave their homes owing to water invasion and/or displacement of the structure. Establishing habitats outside of areas prone to flooding and landslide preserve both life and property.

Importantly, land selection is as much a commercial issue as it is residential. Some businesses are severely impacted by floodwaters owing to their location. Some sites are not ideal to erect neither businesses nor settlements, particularly because of the topography that exists in that area. Water flows from highland to lowland and unknowingly erecting a structure in the direct path of where water flows will prove detrimental.

It can be misconstrued that the situation is safe for any building when this is not so. Consequently, the technocrats of the relevant agencies are obligated to intervene and proffer expertise as required. The problem often becomes compounded based on the quality of the structure that is erected, and so much work is required to ensure the guidelines for building are followed.

There must be that voice of reason repeating the impacts of putting up buildings where they do not belong, advising of the repercussions of flooding and economic loss. It is worth noting that site deficiencies are common, and so questions around the weight of the maintenance required must be presented, which includes geotechnical planning, retaining walls, and artificial drainage.

These are among the biggest drivers of flooding in Jamaica and they require attention. 

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