On July 3, 2024, Hurricane Beryl hit Jamaica with category 4 winds and heavy rain. However, the damage was less severe than expected due to strategic investments in disaster preparedness. This marks a significant change from more than 20 years ago when Tropical Storm Michelle caused widespread destruction.
Jamaica has long been vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods. With much of the population living near the coast, the risks have been high. To address this, the Government of Jamaica collaborated with the World Bank on the Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project. The initiative aimed to enhance the country's resilience against climate and disaster risks.
In Annotto Bay, a town often affected by erosion and storm surges, new protective measures were tested during Hurricane Beryl. Three groynes were constructed to prevent erosion, and the beach was widened by 12 meters. These nature-based solutions successfully protected the coastline.
Port Royal Street in Kingston faced threats from coastal erosion during past hurricanes. As part of the project, a reinforced seawall was built to protect this critical route and nearby infrastructure. During Hurricane Beryl, this seawall proved effective in safeguarding homes and businesses.
Further inland, communities like Myton Gully and Church Pen experienced reduced flooding due to drainage enhancements and bridge rehabilitation efforts. Previously prone to severe flooding, these areas remained accessible despite heavy rains from Hurricane Beryl.
The project also improved emergency response capabilities by constructing new fire stations in Port Maria, Montego Bay, and Yallahs. Response times were significantly reduced during emergencies related to Hurricane Beryl.
Beyond physical infrastructure improvements, Jamaica's ability to assess disaster risks was enhanced through better data collection and analysis. Upgrades to the national seismic monitoring system improved earthquake detection accuracy. Seismic microzonation studies provided insights into earthquake vulnerability across different regions.
Additionally, a National Risk Information Platform (NRIP) is being developed as a central resource for policymakers and planners. Expected to be fully operational in 2025, it will support informed decision-making regarding future infrastructure investments.
The Jamaica Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project has benefited over half of Jamaica's population by strengthening its resilience against natural disasters like Hurricane Beryl. The lessons learned from this initiative will guide future efforts in disaster risk reduction across Jamaica.