Development Planning for Coastal Hazards

Coastal Zone Management UnitBarbados Meteorological ServicesBarbados Building Standards AuthorityCentral Emergency Relief Organization.

Current SituationCurrent Situation

The South Coast and other areas are being battered due to– High waves persisting for several days since

mid-January 2006– Relatively high tidal levels (Spring Tides)– Stronger than normal winds, persisting from

the ESE– Increased vulnerability following Ivan

High South Coast Waves

Crane Beach Before

Crane Beach North

Worthing Beach

Worthing Beach

Major sediment loss

Long-Term IssuesLong-Term Issues

• A recent study showed that Global Warming Topped Natural Cycles in Fueling 2005 Hurricanes

• This runs counter to recent claims that natural cycles are responsible for the upturn in Atlantic hurricane activity since 1995. It also supports the premise that hurricane seasons will become even more active as global temperatures rise.

Short-Term ConsiderationsShort-Term Considerations

• Unusual wind/wave conditions

• Hurricanes

• Tropical cyclones

• Tsunamis

Impacts of Coastal HazardsImpacts of Coastal Hazards

• Coastal flooding

• Infrastructure damage

• Changes in beach shape, width, and sand volume

Other PresentationsOther Presentations

• Marine Ecosystems in Hazard Management

• Coastal Planning Considerations

• Coastal Engineering for Hazards

• Hazard Mapping for Disaster Mitigation

• Coastal Evacuation Planning