Floods in Jamaica

Floods in Jamaica occur annually due to heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones. Rivers such as the Rio Cobre, Yallahs, and Black River overflow during heavy rainfall, which leads to flooding. Approximately 40% of the population is affected by flooding during severe events. Major floods, particularly those caused by hurricanes or tropical storms, result in fatalities, displacement, and economic losses. The 2004 Caribbean floods, caused by a low-pressure system, led to over $100 million in damages. The 2010 flooding from Tropical Storm Nicole resulted in 16 deaths and damages exceeding $245 million.

Over the past five decades, Jamaica has recorded more than 200 flood events. The average annual economic loss has been estimated at approximately USD 120 million from hurricanes and USD 62 million from floods. Of the 827 communities across the country, around 32% are situated in areas identified as flood-prone.