Geography Unit 1, World at Risk Case Study 4 - Caribbean 'savage storms', 2004

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In 2004 the Caribbean was hit by a series of tropical storms including Hurricanes Charley, Fran, Ivan and Jeanne. Four responses to these disasters are described below.

Cuba

~Civil defence is part of national security

~Cuba has a world-class meteorological institute which produces computer models and reaches people through all types of media.

~Within 48 hours of the storm arriving, the vulnerable can be contacted and escape routes planned.

~Within 12 hours people can be evacuated to shelters using public transport.

~The population is educated about hurricane dangers.

~Cuba has well-organised systems at national, regional and governmental levels.

~During Hurricanes Charley and Ivan, only four people died.

Jamaica

~Since Hurricane Gilbert in 1988, preparedness has paid off. In each parish, there are community disaster-response officers and plans.

~Maps have been drawn up showing resources and the homes of the most vulnerable people.

~There are trained Red Cross emergency helpers, well-equipped wardens and designated shelters.

~'Gilbert anniversary' practice drills and earthquake awareness events are held. However, this is a voluntary system so requires persuasion.

~14 people were killed in Hurricane Ivan.

Haiti

~Haiti suffers problems with floods and landslides

~Political instability including a coup in 2004 has led to a lack of local government organisation.

~Extreme poverty has led to a lack of resources (e.g. at the national meteorological centre.

~The poor level of education makes it difficult to develop effective communications.

~Up to 3 000 people were killed in Hurricane Jeanne.

Dominican Republic

~The Dominican republic is trying hard to respond to weather hazards.

~It has delivered maps and organised visits from the Red Cross outreach workers to communities.

~It has introduced a new civil defence system based on churches.

~As the main threat is hurricanes, defences focus on wind hazards. But the main problem in Hurricane Jeanne was flooding (100 mm rain in 24 hours).

~The country lacks short-wave radios and key equipment.

~20 people drowned during Hurricane Jeanne.

Caribbean 'savage storms', 2004