…be careful what you wish for

The Atlantic storm season is off to an early start.  The first named storm – Alex – came almost two months sooner than Ana last year, and a lineup of disturbances across the Atlantic suggest that the forecast of an active summer and fall could be right.  Whether any of these storms land in Jamaica or not, it seems likely that our two-year “long dry” could be over.  In fact, we may soon be complaining about too much water.

The Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology measures rainfall and soil moisture in 16 Caribbean countries.  CIMH noted in its most recent report that most of these countries, including Jamaica, recorded rainfall “much above normal” in April and May, and it expects this pattern to continue through July.  As a result, the Institute’s drought alerts for the Caribbean (in place since October 2009) will be discontinued.

A long rainy period can be a nuisance.  Crops rot in soggy fields, tools rust, mold and mildew grow everywhere.  Swarms of mice, rats, ants and other crawlers invade houses and buildings looking for a dry place to live.  Children and tourists complain when their outdoor fun is spoiled.  These are all manageable situations that can be handled with a little planning and prevention.

When a lot of rain comes all at once, especially after a long wet period, it can be dangerous.  Hurricanes don’t hit Jamaica very often but every year lives are lost and property is destroyed by floods and landslides.  Wind can mess you up.  Water can kill you.

We all know that water runs downhill.  When the hill is covered with grass and trees, they slow the water down and encourage it to soak in, while their roots hold the soil in place.  When the trees are cut down and the grass is dug up, the water just rolls straight down, gathering speed as it goes and carrying soil, rocks and debris with it.  When that stream meets pavement – a roadway or a parking lot – it can flow even faster.

We also know that the hurricane season, even if we get lucky, will bring some heavy rains.  Two years ago, the former Mayor of Montego Bay appealed to the central government for funds to replace and upgrade the city’s 60-year-old drains.  They just can’t handle the amount of runoff pouring into downtown Montego Bay, and this produces flooded streets, property damage, and a load of mud and garbage going into the sea, to foul both the beaches and the coral reefs.  The planned cleanup of the city’s North Gully will help, if it proceeds quickly – this area has already produced one downtown flood in early June, and there will be more.

Check your surroundings now.  You are at risk if a slope above you or below you has been cleared or dug up, if you live near a quarry site, or if a new road has been built nearby or major changes made to an old road.  If you believe there is a flood hazard, make sure both your parish council and your local NEPA office know about it.  You are also at risk if a nearby stream, gully or culvert is choked with rubbish, tree branches and debris.  Clean it up.  A little prevention now can save a lot of misery later.