Jamaica’s North Coast Hit Hard by Unprecedented Storm: Damage and Recovery Efforts

On February 5 and 6, Jamaica’s north coast experienced severe flooding and damage due to a combination of heavy rain and high tides, about 130 miles west of Kingston.

The storm destroyed a breakwater and caused widespread flooding and damage to boats. Travis Graham, a local fisher and executive director of the GoldenEye Foundation, described the event as unprecedented, noting that even large vessels, which had withstood hurricanes, were dragged ashore after crashing into each other.

Three months later, researchers and authorities are still investigating the unusual weather event and its impact. The Jamaican meteorological service had initially forecasted a cold front for January 28, which typically brings welcomed cooler temperatures.

However, a second cold front arrived on February 4, leading to abnormal conditions on February 5 and 6, including scattered rains, strong winds, and high tides that severely damaged the coast.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness assessed the damage, and on February 14, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Floyd Green promised $20 million to affected fishers.

However, local fishers, including John Fannel of the Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary, argue that this amount is insufficient to cover the extensive losses and repairs needed. Many fishers are taking out loans to cover expenses while awaiting additional support.

Prof. Michael Taylor from the University of the West Indies highlights the need for adaptation and mitigation projects in Jamaica, as the connection between extreme weather and climate change becomes clearer.

He notes that while climate change may exacerbate such events, it is important to attribute these impacts carefully.

The international loss and damage fund, established at Cop28, might offer future support for affected regions. Jamaica’s meteorological service is working on a detailed report to understand the event’s connection to climate change, though this could take months to finalize. In the meantime, local fishers are preparing for the possibility of similar extreme weather events in the future.