"Tropical cyclone" is the scientific term for a closed meteorological circulation that develops over tropical waters. TEMPORAL DISTRIBUTION OF HURRICANE OCCURRENCE IN THE CARIBBEAN In this setting, largely beyond the reach of national mitigation activities, simple strategies are both essential and highly effective. This is a clear indicator that structural mitigation measures are not keeping pace with the rapid increase in development in vulnerable areas.Ī important feature of this chapter is its detailed discussion of hurricane hazard mitigation in small towns and villages. This improvement in saving lives has been countered by a marked increase in property damage. While the ferocity of the storms has not abated over the years, and population has increased substantially in the area, the casualty rate has decreased as a result of the incorporation of mitigation measures and the increased effectiveness of preparedness activities. The great bulk of this harm was done to the Caribbean island countries, whose small economies are least able to withstand such impacts.ĭata on hurricane damage have been collected since the discovery of the Americas, and recent statistics show that mitigation measures have made a difference since the 1930s. territories) hurricanes caused more than 20,000 deaths, affected 6 million people, and destroyed property worth over US$9.5 billion (OFDA, 1989). In the Greater Caribbean Basin from 1960 through 1988 (excluding the United States and U.S. The danger arises from a combination of factors that characterize tropical cyclonic storms: rise in sea level, violent winds, and heavy rainfall. The destruction caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean and Central America is a force that has shaped history and will shape the future of the region. It outlines measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of a hurricane and, in particular, identifies appropriate mitigation measures for small towns and villages. This chapter describes the nature of hurricanes and their destructive capability.
HISTORICAL OCCURRENCE AND IMPACT ON THE AMERICAS: HURRICANE GILBERTĬOPING WITH HURRICANES IN SMALL TOWNS AND VILLAGES
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