New technology for improved storm risk assessment in the Caribbean

ABSTRACT

The effects of tropical storms on caribbean island satates are reviewed and their potential for destruction from coastal flloding and extreme winds are highlighted in the context of sea-level rise and increasingly dense coastal development. the Caribbean disaster mitigation project (CDMP) is applying new tecnology in modelling these effects. The model used by CDMP relies on a generic dabase structure using available 'off the shelf' data sources such as satellite imagery and the National Hurricane Center dabase.The model provides probable maximun values for wind at surface and for still-water elevation and wave height at the coastline.Applications in the areas of land use planning design of coastal works and disaster preparedness are presented. The results of this model compare favourably to those of existing storm surge models such as the WHAFIS model of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the SLOSH model of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Agency (NOAA) (AU)