Effects of Hurricane Dennis in Jamaica

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Hurricane Dennis
Hurricane Dennis passing between Jamaica and Haiti on July 7
Meteorological history
DurationJuly 7–8, 2005
Category 3 major hurricane
1-minute sustained (SSHWS/NWS)
Highest winds115 mph (185 km/h)
Lowest pressure957 mbar (hPa); 28.26 inHg
Overall effects
Fatalities1 total
DamageAt least $34.5 million (2005 USD)
Areas affectedJamaica
Part of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season
History

Effects

Other wikis

In early July 2005,

tropical depression on July 4, Dennis began impacting Jamaica three days later. Approximately 6,000 people evacuated from coastal and flood-prone areas prior to the storm's arrival while relief agencies allocated resources for recovery operations. Passing northeast of the island, impact from Dennis stemmed primarily from rainfall—accumulations peaked at 24.54 in (623 mm) and reached 1-in-50 year event levels. Widespread flooding and landslides damaged homes and isolated communities. Saint Thomas and Portland
Parishes were hardest-hit; hundreds required evacuation as multiple rivers burst their banks.

Overall, 209,000 people were affected with 6,000 households requesting assistance. A week after Dennis, Hurricane Emily brought further rain to the island, exacerbating damage. Their combined effects damaged or destroyed 440 homes with total losses reaching J$5.976 billion (US$96.87 million), of which at least J$2.128 billion (US$34.5 million) can be attributed to Dennis alone. One person died due to flooding. Relief operations began before the hurricane subsided, and international communities provided further aid. The overall effects of Dennis were limited and the nation's economy sustained no major ramifications.

Background and preparations

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

On July 4, 2005, the

Category 4 twice before moving over the Gulf of Mexico. It ultimately moved inland over Florida as a Category 3 on July 10 and dissipated over the Great Lakes eight days later.[1]

Late on July 5, the

hurricane watch for the nation as Dennis intensified over the eastern Caribbean. This was upgraded to a hurricane warning early on July 6. The warning remained in place for 48 hours as the hurricane brushed the island, being discontinued on July 8 as Dennis moved over northern Cuba and no longer posed a direct threat to Jamaica.[1]

Following the issuance of the hurricane warning, Jamaica's National Emergency Operations Center and Parish Emergency Operations Center were activated.

Jamaican Red Cross also notified its branches of the storm,[4] placing personnel and volunteers on standby on July 7.[5] The Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard assisted with evacuations of Pedro Bank and Morant Cays. Shelters prepped for opening by the evening of July 6 and Norman Manley International Airport ceased operations at 04:00 UTC (11:00 p.m. local time) and Sangster International Airport following soon thereafter.[2][6]

By July 7, 30 shelters opened across five parishes,[7] with at least 793 people using their services.[8] Some officials complained that residents refused to evacuate.[9] However, as the storm impacted the island this number dramatically increased to 6,000 people with shelters open in all parishes.[10] Approximately J$25 million (US$405,000) was made available for relief operations through the nation's Disaster Mitigation Programme. An additional J$20 million (US$324,000) was allocated for clearing drains in preparation for heavy rain.[11]

Impact

Tropical Storm Dennis organizing over the Caribbean Sea, south of Hispaniola, on July 6

Hurricane Dennis brought torrential rainfall to most of Jamaica, which already experienced above-average rainfall since April,[12] as it brushed the island to the northeast. Many places recorded over 12 in (300 mm) of rain,[1] with the highest totals occurring across the Blue Mountains; accumulations peaked at 24.54 in (623 mm) in Mavis Bank.[1] One-hour rainfall rates reached 2.6 in (65 mm) in this location with a twenty-four-hour peak of 19.59 in (497.6 mm). The latter value equates to a 1-in-50 year event for the town and was 1,005% of the 30-year mean. Rainfall in Constant Spring reached 1-in-25 year levels.[12] Sustained winds in Montego Bay peaked at 69 mph (111 km/h), equivalent to a strong tropical storm.[1] Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston observed peak winds of 37 mph (60 km/h) with a gust to 45 mph (72 km/h). These winds downed trees and power lines, leaving roughly 100,000 customers without electricity; however, overall wind damage was minimal. Several homes and business lost their roofs.[12]

Saint Thomas Parish suffered widespread flooding as multiple rivers burst their banks. The first to flood was the Yallahs River.[6] A bridge spanning the river was severely damaged.[13] The nearby Mundicot River prompted multiple evacuations in Yallahs while Johnson River flooded much of Seaforth.[14] Evacuations also took place in Bull Bay where graves were unearthed.[8][15] Sixty-seven homes in the Taylor Land subdivision of Bull Bay were affected, prompting a proposal to relocate residents elsewhere to avoid future damage.[16] Overflow from tributaries of the Cane River inundated multiple villages, leaving many isolated.[14] One person drowned after being swept away in the Negro River; his body was recovered three days later.[17] Approximately 200 homes in the parish suffered inundation—including several illegally built structures which were destroyed—with residents reporting maximum flood depths of 10 ft (3.0 m). The community of Eight Miles remained under 4 ft (1.2 m) a day after the hurricane's passage. The severity of flooding was blamed on poor building and maintenance of retaining walls along gullies.[15]

Landslides in Portland Parish rendered roads impassable and damaged many homes.[14][18] A bridge spanning the Rio Grande, connecting eastern and western sides of the parish, was severely damaged.[18] The severed connection left 500 people temporarily isolated. Elsewhere along the river, three homes and two stores were swept away.[19] A landslide in Mill Bank destroyed eight homes.[20] Agriculture sustained significant damage, with effects compounded by the quick succession of Dennis and Emily a week apart.[12] Along the Rio Grande, the entire banana crop was lost.[21] The two storms wrecked 626 ha (1,550 acres) of crops and killed 4,330 livestock, mostly chickens, at a cost of J$250 million (US$4.05 million).[22]

Hurricane Dennis intensifying between Jamaica and Cuba on July 7

Two homes along the

sink hole in Halse Hall engulfed 35 homes.[27] An oil tank overflowed due to heavy rain at a Petrojam Refinery in Kingston Harbour resulting in a minor oil spill. Petrojam crews cleaned the spill within a day.[28][29] Some streets in downtown Kingston were flooded.[30] Effects in Trelawny Parish were relatively limited, with J$16 million (US$259,000) in agricultural damage.[31]

In all, an estimated 209,000 people were affected to varying degrees across 121 communities in the nation. Approximately 6,000 households—an estimated 22,000 people—reported need for assistance; the combined effects of Dennis and Emily left 49 homes destroyed and 391 damaged. Associated losses reached J$100 million (US$1.62 million) from Dennis. The agricultural industry sustained extensive losses, with 610 ha (1,500 acres) damaged and nearly 160,000 livestock, primarily chickens, killed.[12] The rapid succession of Dennis and Emily makes differentiating damage between them difficult. Collectively, the two storms wrought J$5.976 billion (US$96.87 million) in damage, primarily stemming from infrastructure,[12] of which at least J$2.128 billion (US$34.5 million) can be attributed to Dennis alone.[32][33]

Aftermath

Distribution of relief supplies began on July 7.

Government of Cuba provided 11 tons of supplies and Venezuela offered support.[28][41]

WINDALCO reported a loss of 10,000 tons of aluminum due to flooding. Manufacturing companies reported J$18.3 million (US$296,000) in losses, primarily from suspended operations.[12] In November, the Jamaica Labour Party sought J$3.2 billion (US$51.8 million) in additional funding to repair roads damaged by Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis, Emily, and Wilma.[42] The following month, the Jamaica Agricultural Society received J$5.5 million (US$88,266) from the Japanese embassy to assist 500 farmers in Portland Parish.[43] The long-term effects of Dennis were limited, with nearly every economic sector returning to normal within a few months. The only exceptions were exports of banana and coffee crops, both of which were still recovering from Hurricane Ivan in 2004. Overall implications to the nation's gross domestic product were negligible, merely flat-lining growth rather than causing decline. However, in combination with the effects of a drought early in 2005, inflation values required adjustment upwards from 9% to 14.3%.[12]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Jack L. Beven (September 9, 2014). Hurricane Dennis (PDF) (Report). Tropical Cyclone Report. Miami, Florida: National Hurricane Center. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Hurricane Dennis Advisory #1 – Hurricane Dennis threatens Jamaica". ReliefWeb. Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. July 6, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  3. ^ "Jamaica: CDERA activates its Regional Response Mechanism". Barbados: ReliefWeb. Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. July 6, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  4. International Federation of Red Cross And Red Crescent Societies
    . July 6, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  5. ^ "Jamaica Red Cross prepares on all levels for Hurricane Dennis". ReliefWeb. Jamaica Red Cross. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  6. ^ a b "Jamaica: Statement on hurricane Dennis the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  7. ^ "Jamaica: Gov't. prepared for hurricane Dennis – Agencies collaborating". Government of Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  8. ^ a b c d "Jamaica: Hurricane Dennis – News release #15". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  9. ^ "Hurricane Dennis kills 10 in Cuba". BBC. July 9, 2005. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
  10. ^ a b "Hurricane Dennis Sitrep #1 – Hurricane Dennis dumps torrential rain on Jamaica". ReliefWeb. Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. July 8, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  11. ^ "Jamaica: Flood prone areas to be given special attention – Dr. Carby". Government of Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Assessment of the Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact of Hurricanes Dennis and Emily on Jamaica (PDF) (Report). Planning Institute of Jamaica. August 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  13. The Jamaica Observer. September 8, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  14. ^ a b c d "Jamaica: Hurricane Dennis – News release #14". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  15. ^
    The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  16. The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  17. ^ "Hurricane Dennis kills one in Jamaica, thousands still marooned". Montego Bay, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. Agence France-Presse. July 10, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  18. ^ a b "Jamaica: Dennis damaged farms, houses, roads in Portland". Government of Jamaica. Port Antonio, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 11, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  19. The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 26, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  20. ^
    The Jamaica Observer. Mill Bank, Jamaica. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  21. The Jamaica Observer. Port Maria, Jamaica. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  22. ^ "Jamaica: Portland Farmers Lose $250 Million to Dennis and Emily". Government of Jamaica. Port Antonio, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 28, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  23. ^ "Jamaica: Hurricane Dennis – News release #13". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 7, 2005. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  24. The Jamaica Observer. Annotto Bay, Jamaica. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  25. ^ "UNICEF partners with Jamaica Red Cross in disaster relief to rescue children". ReliefWeb. Caribbean Red Cross Societies. July 18, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  26. The Jamaica Observer. Nightingale Grove, Jamaica. Archived from the original
    on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  27. ^
    The Jamaica Observer. July 10, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  28. ^ a b "Jamaica: Hurricane Dennis – News release #18". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 8, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  29. The Jamaica Observer. July 9, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  30. The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  31. ^ "Jamaica: Trelawny farmers lose $16 million in crops and livestock". Government of Jamaica. Ocho Rios, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 29, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  32. ^ Hurricane Dennis Damage Assessment (PDF) (Report). Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management. n.d. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  33. ^ "Jamaica: Resources to be reallocated to assist farmers". Government of Jamaica. Kingston, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 27, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  34. ^ "Jamaica: Hurricane Dennis – News release #21". Government of Jamaica. ReliefWeb. July 10, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  35. ^ "Jamaica: NWA to repair railway bridge in Portland". Government of Jamaica. Port Antonio, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 12, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  36. The Jamaica Observer. St Margaret's Bay, Jamaica. August 3, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  37. ^ "Jamaica: Residents of Portland advised to treat drinking water". Government of Jamaica. Port Antonio, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 14, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  38. ^ "Jamaica: Food, beds and blankets being distributed to Hurricane victims in Portland". Government of Jamaica. Port Antonio, Jamaica: ReliefWeb. July 15, 2005. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  39. The Jamaica Observer. July 14, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  40. The Jamaica Observer. July 17, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  41. The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 25, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  42. The Jamaica Observer. November 19, 2005. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.
  43. The Jamaica Observer. Archived from the original
    on November 27, 2015. Retrieved November 26, 2015.

External links

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