Assessing the Potential Flood Hazard Exposure, Vulnerability, and Impacts: The Case of St. James Parish, Jamaica

Abstract

While the region of the Caribbean islands is the least contributor to global greenhouse gases (GHGs), it is extremely vulnerable to the negative impacts of climate change, such as but not limited to flooding from sea-level rise, increased storm intensity, and tropical cyclones. Floods are already major hazards causing large-scale socio-economic and environmental impacts in Jamaica. This study used the major factor affecting flood hazards of Montego Bay and surrounding areas of St. James Parish, Jamaica to estimate the chances of experiencing flood hazards in a given year. Accordingly, significantly populated, developed, and agricultural areas are exposed or vulnerable to high and very risky flood hazards. Therefore, given the city’s relative importance to connect Jamaica to the regional economy, although curbing the global GHGs emission is beyond reach, policies of sustainable urban development, and citizens' environmental responsibilities could help the situation

Keywords:Flood hazards, Risk Assessment, Analytical hierarchy process, multicriteria analysis, St. James Parish, Jamaica

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-6-04

Publication date:August 31^st 2023