Jenecia Smiley | Tuesday December 3, 2024, | 10:32 pm
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season was a harsh wake-up call for the Caribbean, particularly for Jamaica, as the region grappled with intense storms that wreaked havoc on lives, infrastructure, and economies. With 18 named storms, including five major hurricanes, the season underscored the devastating reality of climate change. Hurricanes Beryl and Milton, both Category 5 storms, left trails of destruction, while Hurricane Helene, responsible for over 230 deaths, highlighted vulnerabilities that demand urgent action. For Jamaica, the lessons are clear: we must prioritize climate resilience and proactive disaster planning.
In Jamaica, the response to hurricanes often feels reactive. While early warning systems have improved, they are not enough to address the systemic challenges hurricanes expose. Critical infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, often crumbles under the pressure of heavy rains and winds, disrupting transportation and isolating communities. According to the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), the damage caused by tropical storms in Jamaica over the past decade has exceeded billions of dollars annually, highlighting the economic toll of inadequate infrastructure.
Jamaica’s agricultural sector also suffers immensely. Hurricanes Beryl and Milton destroyed thousands of acres of farmland, leaving farmers in financial ruin and threatening food security. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the losses from Hurricane Milton alone were estimated at over J$3 billion, with crops like bananas, yams, and sugarcane particularly hard-hit. These figures underscore the urgent need for sustainable agricultural practices and support systems for farmers.
The impact on Jamaica’s infrastructure was devastating. Roads turned into rivers, bridges collapsed, and entire communities were cut off from essential services. The National Works Agency reported that over 40% of major roadways sustained damage during the season, with repair costs projected to exceed J$8 billion. These recurring damages reveal a pattern of neglect in building infrastructure capable of withstanding severe weather events.
In addition to roads, agricultural land bore the brunt of the storms. Farmers lost not only crops but also the fertile soil necessary for future planting. This erosion of topsoil—a resource that takes years to regenerate—threatens long-term agricultural productivity. As a country reliant on agriculture for both domestic consumption and export, Jamaica cannot afford to overlook the compounded effects of hurricane damage on this vital sector.
The Human Cost: Lives Lost and Livelihoods Destroyed
The toll on human life and well-being is perhaps the most sobering aspect of the 2024 hurricane season. Hurricane Helene alone claimed 230 lives across the region, with several deaths reported in Jamaica due to flooding and collapsed buildings. Families were displaced, homes destroyed, and livelihoods wiped out. Beyond the physical losses, the psychological trauma experienced by survivors often goes unaddressed, leaving scars that last long after the waters recede.
Recommendations for Jamaica’s Resilient Future
To protect lives and livelihoods, Jamaica must take bold steps toward building resilience. These recommendations provide a roadmap for addressing the country’s vulnerabilities:
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
- Build elevated roadways and flood-resistant bridges to withstand extreme weather. Reinforce utility systems to prevent prolonged outages.
- Adopt innovative materials and designs that reduce vulnerability to wind and water damage.
- Support Farmers Through Sustainable Practices:
- Promote the use of flood-resistant crops and soil conservation techniques.
- Establish disaster relief funds and insurance programs specifically for farmers, enabling quicker recovery after storms.
- Enhance Disaster Preparedness:
- Expand community-based training programs to improve evacuation efficiency and disaster response.
- Increase the number and capacity of emergency shelters, ensuring they are equipped to handle diverse needs, including those of the elderly and disabled.
- Leverage Technology for Early Warning Systems:
- Invest in advanced meteorological tools and communication platforms to provide accurate, real-time updates.
- Use satellite imagery and predictive modeling to map high-risk areas and plan resource allocation effectively.
- Prioritize Funding for Resilience Projects:
- Secure funding from international climate adaptation initiatives, such as the Green Climate Fund, to finance large-scale resilience projects.
- Redirect national budgets to prioritize disaster mitigation over post-storm repairs.
- Focus on Community Engagement:
- Involve local communities in planning and executing resilience strategies, ensuring that solutions are culturally and contextually relevant.
- Promote public awareness campaigns that emphasize individual preparedness and collective responsibility.
Lessons from Global Examples
Other countries offer valuable lessons in resilience. Dominica’s Climate Resilience Execution Agency has successfully implemented projects to rebuild infrastructure with climate adaptation in mind, setting a standard for the Caribbean. Barbados’ debt-for-climate swap, which freed $165 million for resilience projects, highlights how innovative financial solutions can drive progress. Jamaica can adapt these strategies to its unique context, leveraging its strengths while addressing specific vulnerabilities.
Climate Change: A Looming Threat
The increasing intensity of hurricanes is a direct consequence of climate change. Warmer ocean waters fuel stronger storms, while rising sea levels exacerbate flooding. Jamaica’s geographic location makes it particularly vulnerable to these changes. As a small island developing state, the country must advocate for global climate justice, demanding that major polluters take responsibility for their contributions to global warming.
At the same time, Jamaica must lead by example, reducing its carbon footprint and integrating sustainability into its development agenda. Transitioning to renewable energy, protecting mangroves and coral reefs, and enforcing strict building codes are essential steps toward a sustainable future.
The 2024 Atlantic hurricane season revealed the fragility of Jamaica’s infrastructure and the resilience of its people. However, resilience cannot be achieved through human spirit alone; it requires deliberate planning, investment, and innovation. The stakes are too high to delay action.
As a nation, Jamaica must prioritize climate-resilient infrastructure, support its most vulnerable populations, and embrace a proactive approach to disaster management. The devastation of 2024 should not be remembered as a recurring tragedy but as a turning point that galvanized the country into building a safer, more sustainable future.
By learning from these lessons and implementing the necessary changes, Jamaica can protect its people, preserve its economy, and set an example for the rest of the Caribbean. Let the hardships of 2024 serve as a catalyst for progress, ensuring that Jamaica emerges stronger and more prepared for the challenges ahead.
