FLOOD - A flood is an abnormal progressive rise in the water level of streams or rivers which may result in overflowing. Floods in the Caribbean can often be caused by heavy rainfall, dam or levee failures, tsunamis, storm surges or burst water mains.
Share |
Caribbean Flooding History


Flooding is perhaps the most frequently occurring natural disaster known. In the Caribbean, flooding is most prevalent during Hurricane season (June 1st-Novemeber 30th) since heavy rains are often caused by hurricanes, or tropical storms. Some Caribbean islands are more severely affected than others. This is largely dependent on their topography or development as it relates to infrastructure, and whether they have been affected by an intense hurricane or weather system.

Historically, countries such as Haiti, Dominican Republic, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda and Belize, Jamaica and St.Lucia have been affected the most by flooding. Currently flood mitigation measures are being undertaken across the Caribbean to reduce the devastating effects.
 

Here are a few articles about flooding in the Caribbean.
http://www.nationnews.com/articles/view/flooding-the-silent-killer-for-caribbean-countries/
http://articles.cnn.com/2004-05-28/world/caribbean.storm_1_jimani-fond-verrettes-haitian-town?_s=PM:WORLD
http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/CaribbeanbracesforfloodingashurricaneIgorstrengthens/Article/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3756621.stm

Watch how Hurricane Ike and flooding affect Haiti- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sygFl7dwO48
 

Back to top

12 inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
New land development can increase flood risk, especially if the construction changes natural runoff paths.
In cases of severe flooding, water can take weeks to subside.
Large volumes of water can cause roadbeds to collapse.
Deforestation can cause flooding.
Flooding is the most common natural hazard.
Flash-flooding can occur within minutes.
Dams and levees are built to prevent flooding.
Flooding can cause millions of dollars in damage.
6 inches of moving water can sweep you off your feet.
Oil, and other chemicals carried in floodwaters can ruin crops and be hazardous to your health
When soil gets saturated with water, landslides may occur
More people die from drowning in fresh water floods during a hurricane or storm, than from any other cause.