The Development of Jamaica's National Hazard Mitigation Policy

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The Development of Jamaica's National Hazard
Mitigation Policy

• Anestoria Shalkowski

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BACKGROUND/INTRODUCTIOIN

• Use of new crops to alleviate starvation
• Relocation of important commercial towns
• Changes in traditional housing designs
• Engineering works
• Building codes

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Preliminary National Hazard Management Programme

• Began in 1979
• June Flood rains (1979) and Hurricane Allen
  (1980)
• Funding by UNDRO and OFDA
• Studied housing stock
• Comprehensive Management Strategy

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Hazard Mitigation Programme

• Phase 1 Short-term issues DIMS
• Phase 2 Hazard Related Problems Flood plain
  maps, Flood warning system, hazard matrix, high
  risk map
• Phase 3 Hazard Mitigation Policies 6 parts
• Data Collection, Planning, Public Construction,
  Structural Mitigation, Preparedness and Planning

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The National Hazard Mitigation Policy
Compilation of the Policy

• Started in 1998
• Documents used
• Ralph fields documents
• Acts Regulations
• Interviews
• Literature review
• Consultations with interest groups

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Challenges

• Interagency collaboration
• Lack of commitment
• Completion of the Policy

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Current Mitigation Programmes

• Construction of new flood control structures
  NWA
• Building code Bureau of Standards
• Risk maps Mines Geology Division
• Training
• Safe building methods - CRDC
• Distribution of hazard maps ODPEM, Mines
  Geology

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Summary

• Recognition of increase in vulnerability
• Examination of Policies and operating procedures
• Review of international standards
• Identification of a time frame for the completion
  of defined mitigation activities
• Community involvement