Rapid landslide hazard mapping in the
Rio Minho watershed, Central Jamaica




Rafi Ahmad ( Unit for Disaster Studies, UWI) and
Kevin Northmore ( DFID/British Geological Survey Landslide Hazard Assessment Project)


The north eastern part of Jamaica was subjected to intense rainfall over two days in early January 1998, a possible manifestation of El Nino. Four people were killed by the resulting landslides which also caused damage to housing, infrastructure and agriculture estimated at US $5.6M.
The awareness of landslide hazards in Jamaica, and the need to mitigatetheir effects by incorporating appropriate hazard reduction measures into the planning process, is at last on the increase.
Following closely on the heels of the Kingston Metropolitan Area hazard mapping project, a further landslide hazard study is being undertaken by the University of the West Indies (UWI) in collaboration with the British Geological Survey (BGS) for the Rio Minho watershed area in central Jamaica.
Using assessment techniques developed in landslide-prone areas as far afield as Papua New Guinea, Fiji and Slovakia, the Rio Minho project is scheduled for completion by the end of 1999.
A Geographical Information System (GIS) database has been compiled of existing and newly acquired maps, remotely sensed imagery and other information. The significance to landsliding of each factor theme has been determined using spatial analysis, and a set of landslide hazard models produced. Resulting landslide hazard maps will identify areas most susceptible to slope failure and provide planners and other agencies with the basic information needed to make sensible planning decisions to enhance public safety and reduce economic loss.
The fact that over 50% of recent landslides in Jamaica occurred in areas where slopes had previously failed shows that such maps, based on past events, can help to predict the likelihood and severity of future landsliding. This information is fundamental to the implementation of cost-effective hazard mitigation measures.
An important aspect of the project is the dissemination of the results through workshops and seminars to make all interested parties aware of the project outputs. An additional aim is to establish how best the information can be used by relevant government agencies and private citizens for future planning and/or implementation of simple but effective mitigation techniques.


first version: 19990724 benrafi

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