Landslide Risk Rises as Hurricane Melissa Brings Heavy Rainfall to the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, currently raging through the Caribbean, poses a significant threat of landslides in Jamaica, Cuba, and Hispaniola. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center, the heavy rainfall totals of up to 40 inches in certain areas, combined with mountainous terrain, create a "worrisome" landslide risk. Landslides, which can travel at tens of miles per hour and block roads and rail lines, are a leading cause of death and destruction worldwide, claiming an average of 25-50 lives annually in the U.S. and thousands globally.

Key Takeaways:

• Landslides can be triggered by heavy rainfall, earthquakes, and changes to the soil, such as construction or agricultural practices.
• The Blue Mountains in eastern Jamaica are a region prone to landslides due to steep hill slopes and clear-cutting for agriculture.
• Regions where plants have been removed, such as for agricultural purposes, are more susceptible to landslides as the soil is left exposed and more vulnerable to erosion.
• Landslides can damage homes, block roads and rail lines, and create their own problem by dams the road, making it difficult to access the affected area.
• Jamaican Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management identifies landslides as the most common natural hazard in the island nation.
• Hispaniola and Cuba are also susceptible to landslides due to mountainous terrain and seismic activity.
• The strength of roots from plants that previously grew in an area can help bind the soil together, making it more stable and less prone to landslides.

Statistics:

• The annual death toll due to landslides in the U.S. is an average of 25-50 people (U.S. Geological Survey).
• Thousands of people worldwide are affected by landslides every year (U.S. National Hurricane Center).
• Up to 40 inches (102 centimeters) of rainfall can be expected in certain areas (University at Albany's Brian Tang).
• Landslides can travel at tens of miles per hour (U.S. Geological Survey).
• Over 500 million people are affected by landslides worldwide (GAO report).

Sources:

• The Associated Press, "Landslide risk rises as Hurricane Melissa brings heavy rainfall to the Caribbean"
• University at Albany, quote from Brian Tang
• Jamaican Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management
• U.S. Geological Survey, "Landslide Hazards"
• The Associated Press, climate and environmental coverage (for working with philanthropies and supported content)
• U.S. National Hurricane Center, hurricane updates and information
• University at Albany, quote from Karl Lang