Jamaica
1.1 Jamaica Humanitarian Background

Disasters, Conflicts and Migration

Natural Disasters

Type

Occurs

Comments / Details

Drought

Yes

The traditional drought period is December to March. Where severe drought is experienced, agricultural production and forestry are generally affected, partly through bush fires.

Earthquakes

Yes

The last major earthquake was in 1907.

Epidemics



Extreme Temperatures



Flooding

Yes

There is periodic flooding throughout the course of the year due to hydro-meteorological events.

Insect Infestation



Landslides

Yes

There are periodic landslides throughout the course of the year due to hydro-meteorological events.

Volcanic Eruptions



High Waves / Surges



Wildfires

Yes

These can be particularly prevalent during the dry season (December – March).

High Winds

Yes

There are periodic high winds throughout the course of the year due to hydro-meteorological events, especially during the hurricane season (June 1st – November 30th).

Other Comments


Man-Made Issues

Civil Strife

N/A


International Conflict



Internally Displaced Persons



Refugees Present



Landmines / UXO Present



Other Comments



For a more detailed database on disasters by country, please see the Centre for Research on Epidemiology of Disasters Country Profile.

Seasonal Effects on Logistics Capacities

Seasonal Effects on Transport

Transport Type

Time Frame

Comments / Details

Primary Road Transport

June - November

The Atlantic hurricane season from 1st June to 30th November impacts much of the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Resulting tropical cyclones and other hydro-meteorological events often cause damage to infrastructure (roads and bridges), due to flooding and landslides.

Secondary Road Transport

June - November

Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.

Rail Transport

June - November

Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.

Air Transport

June - November

Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.

Waterway Transport

June - November

Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.


Due to the geographic location of Jamaica in the Caribbean, it should be noted that there are no distinct seasonal variations that will negatively impact logistics capabilities and capacities. 


Seasonal Effects on Storage and Handling

Activity Type

Time Frame

Comments / Details

Storage

June – November

The Atlantic hurricane season from 1st June to 30th November impacts much of the Caribbean, including Jamaica. Resulting tropical cyclones and other hydro-meteorological events often cause damage to infrastructure (roads and bridges), due to flooding and landslides.

Handling


Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.

Other


Hydro-meteorological events periodically impact accessibility and operations/utility.

Capacity and Contacts for In-Country Emergency Response

GOVERNMENT

See the Jamaica Country Document on Disaster Risk Reduction 2014: http://dipecholac.net/docs/files/870-cd-jamaica-web.pdf

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Jamaica Government Contact List

HUMANITARIAN COMMUNITY

The UN entities with active offices in Jamaica are:  Caribbean Sub Regional Office, FAO, IMF, IOM, ISA, PAHO/WHO, UNAIDS, UNDP, UNDSS, UN Environment CEP, UN Environment, UNESCO, UNFPA, UNICEF, UNRCO, World Bank.

See the United Nations in Jamaica website for more information: https://www.un.int/jamaica/jamaica/un-offices-jamaica

For more information on humanitarian agency contact details, please see the following link: 4.2 Humanitarian Agency Contact List


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