What are the causes and consequences of flooding in the

community of Kintyre, St. Andrew, Jamaica?

A case study following Tropical Storm Nicole, 2010

Name: Sarah Buckland

Territory: Jamaica

Year: 2011
 Table of Contents
Content Page Number

Acknowledgement 3

Map of study area 4

Introduction 5-10

Statements of purpose of investigation 5-6

Definition of technical terms 7

Literature review 8-9

Methodology 10

Presentation of Data 11-24

Analysis and discussion of data 25-32

Socio-economic background of Kintyre 25

Causes of frequent flooding in Kintyre 26-27

Impacts of the recent flood in Kintyre 28-29

Mitigation and response 30-32

Conclusion, limitations and recommendations 33-34

Bibliography 35

Appendices 36-44

Appendix A (Questionnaire) 36-40

Appendix B (Interview) 41-44

1
 List of illustrations
Illustration Page Number
List of Maps
Map 1 4
List of Figures
Figure 1 11

Figure 2 11

Figure 3 11

Figure 4 12

Figure 5 12

Figure 6 17

Figure 7 21

Figure 8 22

Figure 9 23

Figure 10 24
List of Plates
Plate 1 13

Plate 2 13

Plate 3 14

Plate 4 15

Plate 5 16

Plate 6 16

Plate 7 17

Plate 8 18

Plate 9 18

Plate 10 19

Plate 11 19

Plate 12 20

Plate 13 20

Plate 14 23

List of Tables

Table 1 22

2
 Acknowledgement
Firstly, I would like to thank God for giving me the strength, and wisdom to complete this I/A.

Secondly, I would like to thank my parents for their moral support and encouragement which helped me

to successfully complete this document despite the many challenges. I would also like to thank my

teacher, Miss Cope for her patience and understanding in accepting my SBA even when submitted late,

in the face of sickness. Last, but not least, I would like to thank Ms. Thomas who chaperoned and

facilitated our class around the community of Kintyre, which made our research of the community

easier, and Mr. Ricketts from Mines and Geology for facilitating the interview.

3
 N
MAP 1: SHOWING THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OF THE COMMUNITY OF KINTYRE TO
THE HOPE RIVER

(physical, economic, etc.)effects of flooding

Scale – 1:10,000

Source: National Land Agency

4
 Introduction

Problem Statement

How does the flooding of the Hope River impact the lives of the residents of Kintyre, St. Andrew?

Background to problem

Kintyre, St. Andrew has a population of 2686 persons (STATIN, 2001). As a large proportion of
the population resides along the Hope River’s banks, the issue of flooding has been of grave concern, as
each time the river floods, Kintyre residents’ lives and property are greatly endangered. Evidences of the
hazardous effects of flooding on the community can be extensively observed upon entering the
community through cracked buildings on the brink of toppling over into the river. These drastic hazards
faced by the Kintyre residents has prompted further research on this problem.

The principal causes of flooding identified by the researcher include environmental factors, such
as meteorological and geological, and human factors, including extensive littering of the river bed and
removal of groynes. Research has shown that this area has been subjected to flooding during times of
heavy rain. Since 2004, the area has been flooded approximately four times (“Tavern and Kintyre keep”
, 2010).

The researcher believes that human and environmental factors that contribute to the flooding of
the Hope River affect the lives of Kintyre residents economically, physically and psychologically all in a
negative way.

Purpose of Research

The research is designed to investigate the causes and effects of flooding of the Hope River in the
community of Kintyre.

5
 Research Objectives

Determine and examine the environmental and human factors that influence the Hope
River’s flooding

Describe the impact of the flooding on the residents of Kintyre

Investigate the responses at community and national level and mitigation techniques
employed through the analysis of the impact of heavy rains associated with Tropical
Storm Nicole, September 29, 2010.

Research Questions

1. What are the human causes of the flooding of the community of Kintyre by the Hope River?

2. What are the environmental causes of flooding of the community of Kintyre by the Hope River?

3. What are the effects of the flooding on the Kintyre residents?

4. How do the residents of Kintyre respond and prepare for flooding in the area?

5. What has the government done to minimize the impact of flooding in the area?

Educational Value

Conducting this research will provide the researcher along with members of Kintyre and the

wider Caribbean society with valuable information on the issue of flood hazards in the Caribbean,

promoting hazard awareness. This research may also provide the government insight about the extent of

vulnerability faced by Kintyre. It will also provide insight on what can be done to mitigate against these

hazards that are so prevalent in our region.It can also provide additional basis for further study of this

topic.

6
 Definition of Technical Terms

Economically active population- Those in the population of working age (16-65) who are either in

work or are looking for work.

Wet Point Site – the site of a settlement close to a water supply

Land Slippage – a slide of a large mass of dirt and rock down a mountain or cliff

Groyne – a wall built out from a riverbank (or seashore) to control erosion

Mitigation -The elimination or reduction of frequency, magnitude, or severity of exposure to

environmental risks; minimization of the potential impact of a threat

7
 Literature Review

Flooding is one of the most frequent natural hazards and is the most extensive loss hazard

reported worldwide– 40.9%, (UNISDR, 2009). In Jamaica, the main causes of flooding include heavy

rainfall resulting from tropical weather disturbances, deforestation, improper agricultural practices,

inadequate design of drainage channels and structures, inadequate maintenance of drainage facilities,

blockage by debris brought by flood waters and construction of settlements in flood plains (ODPEM,

2008). H. Gregory (2010), a member of the Kintyre community blamed the destruction of watersheds,

construction of homes in hazardous areas and inefficient urban planning and development for his

community’s problems.

Several previous studies were reviewed to obtain background information on this problem. In

2004, Dr. Lisa Lawrence, Country Director of Habitat For Humanity Jamaica, published a study on this

topic, noting the slippage of houses and churches into the Hope River, blaming the damage to the

residence of persons so dangerously on the river banks, and removing stones, exaggerating the problem.

Dr. Lawrence’s observations correlate with those of the researcher.

Reports have also been made about illegal sand mining and scrap metal harvesting taking place

in the Hope River near the Kintyre bridge, which broke away in the last two hurricane seasons. (“Stop

the illegal….”, 2010). Many Kintyre households that have suffered extensive damage are those who

have not used to the services offered by the KSAC and constructed buildings in areas that are unsafe.

(“Kintyre residents helplessly..” 2008). Former interviews conducted by newspaper journalists with the

Kintyre residents served to enlighten the researcher even further about the extent of the plight faced by

the residents. The findings expressed in these articles provide further insight on the human factors that

contribute to the devastating effects of flooding in Kintyre.

8
 In July 2009, the Mona GeoInformatics Institute published a Natural Hazards Atlas, highlighting

Kintyre as being susceptible to landslides and floods, due to the presence of fault scarps in the area. It

was further mentioned that flooding typically occurs along inland alluvial plains, such as is in Kintyre.

Kintyre is among the many flood prone areas in Jamaica, also due to the underlying geology of

New Volcanics Wagwater Fault System group to this fact (Mines and Geology, 2011). These previous

studies provide a strong basis in continued research of the effects of flooding in Kintyre, in the aftermath

of the passage of Tropical Storm Nicole 2010.

9
 Methodology

On Monday November 22, 2010, the researcher and her Geography class visited Kintyre, St.

Andrew, chaperoned by two female members of Kintyre to investigate the causes and impact of flooding

in the area. The class was divided into four groups of four. Forty households, from St. Joseph’s Street,

Clarke Street, St. Joseph’s Road, Hope River Street, Cosmos Drive, Camp View Avenue and Cosmos

Mews were sampled using the systematic random sampling technique, where the sample was selected by

a pre-arranged order (every 3rd household), in order to ensure that everyone had an equal chance of

participating in the survey. The research lasted approximately four hours. The sample comprised of 60%

male and 40% female.

The methods of data collection used were survey and observation. Various instruments of data

collection were used including questionnaire sheets (administered face-to-face to one member of each

household) and digital cameras. The use of questionnaires allowed for easy comparison of responses,

and mass responses in a fairly short period of time. Field sketches were also made. Secondary sources

were also used, to verify the information gathered from the residents, thus helping to provide a clearer

understanding of the background to the problem.

On Friday October 21, 2011, the researcher also conducted a semi-structured interview with Mr.

Ricketts, a geologist from Mines and Geology who has a BSc 1st class honours double major in geology

graduate of UWI.

Data analysis

The data collected will be analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively, through the use of

various graphical techniques including pie and bar charts, radial diagrams and tables. Qualitative

analysis will be done primarily through the use of text and photographs in describing the impacts.

10
 Presentation of Data

Socio-economic background of Kintyre

81%

11% 6%
3%

flooding.

50%
25%
18% 7% 11
 59%
22%
5% 14%

Causes of frequent flooding in Kintyre

Causes of flooding

12
 The close proximity of
these houses to the river
makes the residents
vulnerable, and would also
lessen the effect of any
mitigative techniques
undertaken. Many residents
may be attracted to living
here as this is a wet point
site, where a water resource
is readily available.

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 1: Showing houses on the Kintyre community on the banks of the Hope river

Stones from land

slippages that fall
into the river,
increase the river’s
load, therefore
increasing the
likelihood of the
river to flood easier.

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 2: Showing houses in Kintyre hanging at the edge over the Hope river bank

13
 According to the Gleaner article
Kintyre residents helplessly await more
disaster, published: Sunday July 20,
2008 “The Kingston and St Andrew
Corporation is responsible for the
approval of buildings and subdivisions in
the parish, and has reportedly been losing
millions of dollars in much-needed
revenue, due to the failure of citizens to
seek the appropriate authorization to
build. Most of the households that have
suffered extensive damage to their homes
are those which have failed to utilize the
services offered by the KSAC and
constructed buildings in areas that are not
safe."

Due to the neglect of many

Kintyre residents to gain approval of
their houses by the KSAC, the homes
built are more susceptible to damage.
However, as the residents have little
revenue, many of them cannot help to
build these squatter settlements and out
of fear of their houses not being
approved by the KSAC, they fail to
register them, putting themselves at more
risk.

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 3: Showing damaged houses in the community of Kintyre in the river bed

14
 According to another Gleaner article, A disaster
waiting to happen, dated October 10, 2010, the
present position of the houses in or hanging
over the river bed was not always where they
are currently- some houses even move metres
due to land slippage. Thelma Gentles, a
resident of Kintyre for over 50 years, states that
every time the river floods, the houses come
closer to the river, due to land slippage:
"People see my house about to collapse in the
river and say is my fault to go live on river
bank, but when me build my house here me
was very far from the river," Gentles told The
Sunday Gleaner. "When I was building this
house there was a big space at the back far from
the river. Even the contractor told me why I did
not use up the space, and me ask him suppose
the river bruck its bank, and him say me would
not live to see that."

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 4: Showing evidences of landslides in the community of Kintyre

15
 Source: S. Buckland

Plates 5: Showing two of the drains in the community of Kintyre

These drains may

have been cleaned
by residents prior to
the researcher
visiting the area.

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 6: Showing a 3rd drain found in the Kintyre community

16
 Source: S. Buckland

Plate 7: Showing littering in the Hope river bed

Impacts of the recent flooding of the Hope river due to Tropical Storm Nicole, on
the community of Kintyre

Personal Impacts

17
 Despite being seemingly
made strong enough to
resist flood damages, this
Kintyre house has a crack
in its side. However due
to the location of the
houses and large amount
of exposure to flood
waters, even houses
which are resistant
enough to flooding
eventually wear away.

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 8: Showing damaged concrete house on the banks of the Hope River, Kintyre, St. Andrew

Source: S. Buckland

Plate 9: Showing concrete building damaged extensively by recent flood waters

18
 Source: S. Buckland

Plate 10: Showing gate submerged in sediments washed from the Hope River

The washing away of this bridge caused many other

secondary problems as there was now only one (unsafe)
route left to connect Kintyre to the rest of Jamaica – the
swinging bridge. According to the Gleaner article: Washed-
out bridge heaps troubles on Kintyre residents, published
October 10, 2010, Residents of Kintyre and Hope Flats in
East Rural St Andrew have seen their transportation cost
almost double in since Hope River destroyed the only
bridge which allows vehicular access to the community.

Source: The Jamaica Gleaner

Plate 11: Former Kintyre bridge being washed away in flood waters from Tropical Storm Nicole

19
 Source: S. Buckland

Plate 12: Showing breaking of road surface and pothole due to frequent flooding in the community

Economic Impacts

Residents have to come out of their

vehicles to walk across this swinging
bridge, as it does not allow for vehicular
transport. Now the residents have to
pay $50 on one taxi, get out and walk
across this bridge which is their only
Source: S. Buckland
connection with the rest of Jamaica -
then pay a further $50 for a taxi from
Tavern to Papine. This caused many
transportation problems including
persons not being able to go to work,
therefore a slow down of business
activities.

Plate 13: Showing the ‘swinging bridge’ in the community of Kintyre

20
 Mitigation

Community
protested (27)

Used sand bags Persons moved

to reduce effects away to a safer
of flooding (1) location, e.g.
community shelter
(25)

Residents’
responses to
the recent
flooding

Placed stones Sought help from

along river bank (non-governmental
or governmental
(2)
organizations (17)

Filled up tanks
(due to water cut
off since the
flood) (3)

Figure 7: Radial Diagram showing responses and measures undertaken by Kintyre residents since the recent flooding

21
 .
Those who planned to relocate Those who did not plan to relocate

They cannot rebuild on destroyed land They have nowhere else to go, or don’t
have enough funds to relocate

Other infrastructure will soon be Might encounter the same problem

damaged and when this happens they do somewhere else
not know how they would manage or if
they would survive.

The river has been flooding worse each Some persons who lived in the hills of
time and they doubt it will be rectified the community said that they have not
been experiencing flooding so they
would not have to relocate

Table 1: Showing explanations given by the respondents as to why or why not they planned to relocate

22
 Source: S. Buckland

Plate 14: Showing sandbags used by residents to minimize the flooding effects (‘flood-fighting’ technique)

Government’s role in mitigation

23
Recommendations

24
 Analysis of Data

Socio-economic background of sample

From the sample, the general socio-economic background of the community was observed.

Nearly 60% of the residents were over 35 years of age, and about 80% of the respondents lived over 14

years in the community (figure 1).

The statistics shown in figure 1, highlight that many of the residents interviewed have

experienced repeated flooding of the community and are credible sources as to the details of the floods’

impact.

The average income earnings of the residents in the community were found to be low (figure 2),

with the majority of residents (50%) earning just over the minimum wage of $4500. (“Hike the

minimum wage”, 2011). The number of persons living in each household was large – majority being

between 5 to 6, (figure 3), making the economic situation even harder for the residents to handle, much

less to undertake the necessary precautions to minimize the effects of frequent

The majority of the residents interviewed were males of the economically active age group. This

shows a high level of male unemployment in the community, which contributes to the community’s

poverty level. The majority of the respondents (59%) were over 35 years, however, which still partly

encompasses the economically active age group (fig. 4).

25
 Causes of flooding

As seen in figure 5, 74% of the residents blamed the frequent flooding of the Hope River as the

main cause of flooding, with an overwhelming 49% blaming heavy rainfall linked to the Hope River as

the main cause of flooding in the area. This correlates with the Gleaner article “Kintyre residents

helpelessly...”,(2008), which also mentions heavy rainfall as the primary cause of floods in Kintyre: “.

Any indication of rainfall is met with uneasiness as the Hope River, which runs by this rural St Andrew

neighbourhood, is characterized by high floodwaters”.

The second highest response under natural causes of the frequent flooding in Kintyre (20%) is its

close proximity to the river, as seen in plates 1-3. This location of infrastructure on the flood plain will

undoubtedly cause extensive damage to residents.

However, according to Geologist Mr. Ricketts, the causes are all linked underlying geology of

Kintyre, which is comprised of the Cavaliers Conglomerate, is highly susceptible to landslides. This

porous, weathered topsoil, however, is underlain by much more resistant bedrock, which does not

readily permit infiltration, and thus during heavy downpours, water will be likely to remain on the

surface.

Evidence of land slippage was also observed by the researcher as various sections of carved

hillsides around the community were seen with houses perched at the top on the brink of toppling into

the river (plate 4).

Blocked gullies and drains was another cause of flooding that about 2% of the sample expressed.

Approximately 84% of the sample also complained that the drainage system in the community was

ineffective, and those who agreed that there was an effective drainage system claimed that it was not

26
properly maintained. However, from the researcher’s observation, there were at least three clean drains

in various sections of the community (plate 5).

From the researcher’s observation, flooding in Kintyre is due to a combination of social,

economic and environmental factors. Environmental factors, mainly heavy rainfall, and

landslides/erosion of the sandy soil cause widespread flooding of the community. Social and economic

factors, e.g. dumping of garbage in the river bed (plate 7), and especially the building of the community

on the flood plain, and in the river bed itself, also increase the Kintyre residents’ risk of experiencing

flooding, as many of them cannot afford to live anywhere else. Other factors, e.g. removal of groynes,

and lack of proper embankment of the river, all contributed to the recurrent flooding of the Hope river.

27
 Impacts of the recent flooding of the Hope river due to Tropical Storm Nicole, on the community

of Kintyre

The recent flooding of Kintyre had many widespread negative impacts, with 67% of the sample

affected. About 179 families from Kintyre and the neighbouring community of Tavern are slated to be

relocated to West Albion in St Thomas due to the adverse impacts of the floods. “A disaster waiting to

happen”, (2010).

Personal Impacts

The residents stated various impacts they experienced from the recent flooding. Some residents

however, who lived nearer to the upper course of the river stated that they did not experience flooding.

Figure 6 below shows the personal impacts of the recent flooding on the sample.

As seen in figure 6, 51% of the residents experienced loss of property. This widespread damage

of the community has serious implications as the majority of the residents are in the low income earning

group, and thus recovery from this widespread damage would prove more difficult. However, from the

researcher’s observation, the majority of the houses were made from concrete, which is usually resistant

to flooding effects, however, evidences of damage to these houses were observed (plates 8, 9 and 10).

Nevertheless, there were also some houses made of wood with zinc. From the residents’ point of view,

about 51% of them thought that the houses were not built to resist flooding, while about 49% thought

that the houses were built to resist flooding.

28
Other infrastructural damage that Kintyre experienced included:

Collapsed bridges (plate 11)

Utility poles damaged

Roads destroyed (plate 12)

Burst pipes

Houses washed away; according to one resident, about eight

Leaking ceilings

Water and electricity lock-off

Another personal impact some residents faced was the loss of life. According to 9% of the

respondents, about two persons died as a result of the recent flooding.

Economic Impacts

The economic impacts of the flood that the residents encountered included:

 Reordering and repurchasing of livestock (7% of sample)

 Reconstruction of homes/leaving their destroyed house and pay rent instead (25%)

 Increased cost of transportation and inability to return to work for some time, as residents have to

walk across swinging bridge (29%). (plate 13).

29
 Mitigation

Mitigation is the elimination or reduction of frequency, magnitude, or severity of exposure to

environmental risks; minimization of the potential impact of a threat (“Mitigation”, 1996). Mitigation

measures were taken on a personal and community level.

As seen in figure 7, despite the extensive damage done to the community, the mitigative measures

undertaken were hardly evident and inefficient. This could be due to the overall low economic status of

members of the community (figure 2). Those who relocated due to the impending storm went to various

places (figure 8).

From figure 8, it can be seen that the majority of the residents went to other family members within

the community during the passage of the storm. This is not an effective mitigative measure, as the

majorityof the houses within the community are in close proximity to the Hope River. The smallest

percentage went to emergency shelters, despite the fact that there is a shelter in the community (“Kintyre

residents not budging”, 2010).

As seen in Table 1, the residents were divided on the issue of relocation.51% planned to

relocate,while almost 49% did not plan, the indecisive nature of the residents of this community could

be due to them not knowing where to turn to for help, even though they know their lives are endangered.

Another mitigation technique the residents used was sandbags which reduced the force of the

flood waters on the infrastructure in the community (plate 14).

30
 Government’s role in mitigation

Despite the plethora of damage Kintyre suffered, an overwhelming 67% of the residents

interviewed stated that they did not seek recovery help from governmental nor non-governmental

organizations. These residents reiterated that the government only helped specific persons in the

community, and that many persons who really need help are neglected. According to approximately

25% of the respondents, the government provided houses in Albion and put up boulders to address the

issue. This correlates with the Gleaner article “A disaster waiting to happen”, (2010), “the Government

had indicated an intention to relocate some residents of Kintyre, the neighbouring community of Tavern

and other flood-threatened communities to lands in West Albion in St Thomas.” However, there were

conflicting views among the residents as to whether they were ordered to evacuate in preparation for the

passing of Tropical storm Nicole. The results are shown in figure 9.

The disparity in the residents’ responses could be due to a variety of factors, ranging from a lack of

proper communication in the area and an ineffective warning system. In addition, from the researcher’s

observation of trends in flood prone areas, including Kintyre, many residents are unwilling to relocate to

safer areas that are provided. This observation correlates to the Gleaner article “Kintyre residents not

budging”, (2010), where various persons around the community were unwilling to relocate, even after

the damage done by Nicole with the threat of another storm, Tomas, instead wanting to “stick out”

Tomas, as they were more comfortable in the community.

Emergency action including evacuation is necessary to reduce the magnitude of flood effects

(Nagle, 2000). Perhaps if the residents were timely evacuated, the loss of lives caused would have been

avoided.

31
 Response

Assistance given to the community

About 49% of the sample indicated that their community received help from various

organizations including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM),

Salvation Army, Food for the Poor, and the Member of Parliament of the area. The contributions

included money, clothes, food, bedding, zinc, blankets and tarpaulin.

32
 Conclusion, Limitations and Recommendations

The frequent flooding of Kintyre was found to be due to a mixture of environmental and socio-

economic factors, including heavy rainfall, close proximity of houses to the Hope River due to low

socio-economic status of the respondents, littering of the river bed, removal of groynes, and lack of

proper banking of the river. The recent flooding of the community had many impacts, including loss of

life and lifestock, with the loss of property being the most evident. There were also many economic

impacts including need to reconstruct houses, and increased transportation cost. The community’s ability

to mitigate against the effects of the flood was limited due to the low economic background of the

community, making them all the more vulnerable.

Limitations

Some limitations the researcher encountered while conducting the research were:

Some persons who were interviewed were not affected by the recent flooding, as they
lived nearer to the upper course and thus could not give first hand information.

The research was time consuming

Some questions were misinterpreted.

33
 Recommendations

What are some of the solutions to the problem?

The residents suggested various solutions to the problem of the recurrence of flooding. Their

responses are shown in figure 10.

On a personal level, residents say that they can clear the gullies and build houses on higher

ground. However, 13% of the respondents think that they can do nothing on their own as everywhere is

a river bed. The researcher also found this issue to be true. On a community level, from the residents’

point of view, the community could maintain the drains, contribute money to raise funds through events

to fix damaged infrastructure. According to one resident, there is a Citizens’ Association in the

community which aimed to address the various problems the community members faced. However,

complaints were made that the community cannot do much to solve the problem due to a lack of

resources.

Many of the residents suggested that the government should rebuild and reinforce the necessary

infrastructure to avoid or minimize the effects and frequency of flooding, e.g. river training, building

stone walls, fixing damaged infrastructure, including drains and personally seeing the problem for

themselves.

From the researcher’s observation, the warning system in the community is ineffective. To

rectify this, the government should appeal to the residents to evacuate, once any weather system that

would cause heavy rainfall is forecast. The researcher also believes that the residents of Kintyre should

all be relocated permanently, as flooding is always an impending hazard to the community. The

government should fund the recovery of the community.

34
 Bibliography
Hall, A. (2009. June. 1). In the eye of a storm – Kintyre - A disaster waiting to happen. The Jamaica

Gleaner. Retrieved on March 8, 2011 from: http://jamaica-

gleaner.com/gleaner/20090601/news/news2.html

Hall, A. (2010. October. 10). A disaster waiting to happen. The Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved on March 8,

2011 from: http://gleaner-ja.com/gleaner/20101010/news/news6.html

Hike the minimum wage. (2011, Feb. 10). The Jamaica Gleaner.Retrieved March 30, 2011 from:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20110210/cleisure/cleisure2.html

Hunter, N. (2010. November. 6). Hurry with our bridge. The Jamaica Gleaner.

Retrieved March 8, 2011 from: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101106/lead/lead5.html

Kintyre residents helplessly await more disaster. (2008. July. 20). The Jamaica Gleaner.Retrieved

March 8, 2011 from: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20080720/news/news2.html

Kintyre residents not budging. (2010, Nov. 10). The Jamaica Gleaner. Retrieved March 8, 2011 from:

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101105/lead/lead2.html

Nagle , G . (2000) . Advanced Geography . Singapore: Oxford University Press.

Statistical Institute of Jamaica. (2001). Population Census: Kintyre Jamaica.

Tavern and Kintyre keep fingers and toes crossed. (2010, July 5). The Jamaica Gleaner.Retrieved

March 8, 2011from: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100705/lead/lead4.html

Washed-out bridge heaps troubles on Kintyre residents. (2010. October. 10). The Jamaica Gleaner.

Retrieved March 8, 2011 from: http://gleaner-ja.com/gleaner/20101010/news/news5.html

35
 Appendix A

QUESTIONNAIRE
Good day. I am asking for your assistance in my CAPE Geography Internal Assesment. My topic is
“How does the flooding of the Hope River impact the lives of the residents of Kintyre, St. Andrew?” All
responses will be kept strictly confidential. Thanks for your time.

General Information

1. To which of the following categories do you belong?

Male Female

2. To which of the following age groups do you belong?

18-23yrs 24-29yrs 30-34yrs >35yrs

3. How long have you been living in the community?

<5yrs 5-9yrs 10-14yrs >14yrs

4. Which of the following best indicates your income on a weekly basis:

<$4,500 $4,500-$10,000 $10,000-$14,000 >$15,000

5. How many persons make up your household?

 <3 persons  3-4 persons  5-6 persons  7 persons

CAUSES

1) How often has the community flooded since 2004?

 1-2 times  3-4 times  >4 times

2) What is the main cause of flooding in the area?

 Blocked gullies/drains
 Close proximity to the Hope River
 Heavy rainfall linked to Tropical Storms/Hurricanes
 If others, please state.

______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________

3) Do you think housing in this area is built to resist damage from flooding?

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 Yes No

Explain why.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

4) Is there and effective system of drainage in the area?

Yes No

If yes, is it properly maintained?________________________________________________

5) Why do you think there is a reoccurrence of flooding in the area?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

IMPACTS

1. How many households were affected by the recent flooding?______________________

2. Did your household experience any of the following impacts?

 Loss of life  loss of livestock
 Loss of property  If others, please
state_____________________________

Please explain how this affected your economic situation/livelihood.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
3. Have you had to seek help from the government/non-governmental organizations to help
with recovery?
Yes No

4. Describe the different ways in which members of the community were affected
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

5. What was the nature of the damage on the infrastructure of the community?
 Bridges collapsed

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  Utility poles damaged
 Roads destroyed
 Houses washed away

If others, please state.

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

MITIGATION

1. How did the community respond to the flooding?

 Persons moved away
 Community Protested
 Sought help from government and non-governmental organizations
 If other, please state
______________________________________________________________

2. What measures have the community taken to prevent the reoccurrence of flood damage?
 Build houses on stilts
 Relocate houses to safer location
 Nothing
 If other please state
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

3. Based on past experience, what have you and your household done to lessen the impact of
flooding on your property?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

4. What has been done by the relevant authorities to address the issue of flooding in the
community?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

5. Do you plan to relocate?

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 Yes No
Please explain
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

6. Were members of your community ordered to evacuate in preparation for the passing of the
Tropical Storm Nicole?
Yes No

7. How many persons evacuated the area? __________________________

Where did they go?
 Community shelter
 Family living within the community
 Friends/Family outside of the community
 If others, please state
_____________________________________________________________

8. Did the affected members of the community receive help?

 Yes No

9. What kind of help did they receive?

 Monetary  Clothes  Food
 If other please state_________________________________

10. Which organizations ( if any) have been working with the community to address problems
arising from the flooding of the area?
________________________________________________________________

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM

21) What do you think could be done to prevent future flooding of the area?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

22) What do you think each of the following should do to reduce the impact of flooding in the
community:

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a) The Government?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

b) The Community?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

c) The Residents?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

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 Appendix B

Interview with Mr. Ricketts, geologist from Mines and Geology.

1. For the purposes of my SBA, may I get an idea of your qualification?

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

2. From your knowledge of the area of Kintyre, what is the underlying geology of the community, including
the type(s) of soil underlying the community?

___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

3. Does the underlying geology affect the probability of the community of Kintyre being flooded, in other
words, if the community were underlain by a different type of soil, would the probability of flooding
occurring in the community be the same, less or greater? How does the underlying geology of Kintyre
affect the probability of it being flooded?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_

4. Do(es) this (ese) type(s) of soil affect the magnitude/effect of the flooding in times of rainfall, in other
words, would the level of flood waters and thus the effect it has on the residents in the area during the
same intensity of rainfall be the same if the community were underlain by a different type of soil? If so,
how?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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 _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________

5. From prior observation, I have realized that much of the community is located within the actual river
bed and on the surrounding flood plain and is therefore underlain by the same soil that should be only
within the river’s banks. How does this fact influence the amount of times the river has been flooded in
times of heavy rainfall?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
______________________

6. Also, from my observation, many houses in the community hang at the edge of cliffs overlooking the
Hope River. From other sources, I have also realized that land slippage is very common in the
community, putting the residents at greater risk in times of flood. How does the geology of the area
contribute to this?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
________

7. Some residents have attributed the “widening of the river” as a cause of flooding in the community. Is
this really happening? And if so, how would this affect flooding in the community? Is this related to the
geology, and if so, how?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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 _____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

8. Do you believe that the underlying geology of the community of Kintyre is a major cause of the repeated
flooding in the area? If so, why and how?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

9. In your opinion, can anything substantial be done to reduce the instances of flooding in the community,
due to its location within and in close proximity to the river bed and its underlying geology, e.g. can river
training help?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

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_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Thank you for your time.

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