Real Risk

ing in the community.

Through this programme flood maps

for the area were developed, a community based flood alert

system was created, and members of the community trained in

rainfall and river flow data collection. The project also

conducted community riverbank erosion training programmes

and trained members of the community in related disaster

management. These activities increased community awareness

and provided tools for the community to be better prepared for

future flood events.

A study carried out by C. Wilmott-Simpson in 1980 assessed

the effects of storm surge in the area and produced a storm surge

inundation map for Hurricane Allen.

Anecdotal evidence has

also been compiled on the impact of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988,

Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricanes Dennis and Emily in

2005. No similar assessment or report for coastal erosion for

this area can be found, although the existence of six groynes

located throughout the bay, the remains of gabion baskets and

fragments of a broken sea wall which once acted as sea defences

indicate that coastal erosion has been acknowledged as a threat

to the community.

Risk perception at the local level determines the level of effec-

tiveness that a community-based mitigation programme will

have. Presently, riverine flooding is the greatest perceived threat

by the community, and is believed to be exacerbated by inade-

quate and frequently blocked drains. Although drain cleaning is

conducted periodically by the parish council, the frequency is

not sufficient to keep them clear. This, residents say, is the main

problem and needs a revolutionary approach. Through their

increased awareness of the causes of flooding, residents actively

participate in drain cleaning and removal of sand bars blocking

the mouths of Mother Ford and the Annotto River.

Storm surge and coastal erosion are acknowledged as a threat,

but impacts from storm surge are felt infrequently (Hurricane

Allen, 1980; Hurricane Gilbert, 1988; Hurricane Ivan, 2004).

Coastline retreat takes place over an even longer period of time,

and is not perceived by some in the community as a major

threat.

Through this project we have been able to identify the extent

of storm surge inundation generated by Hurricane Ivan and

compared it to that identified after Hurricane Allen to better

assess the impact storm surge has on the community. Analysis

of the offshore bathymetry in the bay was also undertaken to

determine whether this influences the impact of storm surge

along this section of the coastline. Evaluation of changes to the

coastline over the past 40 years was also carried out using aerial

photographs and seasonal variability of the beaches, identified

at five stations and monitored over an eight-month period. The

preparation of land use maps for the community was under-

taken to assess compatibility of present practices in the town

with the hazards that impact the area.

This project seeks to increase the understanding and aware-

ness of storm-induced hazards at the community level. A hazard

map, identifying areas which have been inundated in the past

and zones of coastline variability, was prepared through commu-

nity participation in meetings and surveys. The information may

be used as a tool in raising awareness though community group

education programmes. The availability of hazard maps of the

area as well as educational pamphlets describing coastal

hazards, will provide residents with information on the impact

that different hazards have on varying sections of the town and

will allow them to better prepare themselves in the future – to

be forewarned is to be forearmed.

A technical report will also be produce that will provide rele-

vant information for government agencies responsible for

developing mitigation strategies, for this and other coastlines

with similar characteristics. This may be used as a guide for the

future planning and design of developments along shorelines

with similar physical features.

[

] 64

Residents living on the banks of the Mother Ford. This drain is

frequently blocked by sand bars deposited by the sea, which residents

have to clear to prevent flooding of adjacent homes

Photo: Richard Coutou

Extent of storm surge inundation in the town of Annotto Bay from

Hurricanes Allen and Ivan

Photo: Nakula Butterfield