A recent study entitled 'Natural Hazard and Risk Assessment for Portmore, St Catherine' and carried out by the Mines and Geology Division (MGD) has revealed that Portmore is at risk of flooding, storm surges and seismic (earthquake) activity.
The study was prepared in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"Essentially, the purpose of the study is to reduce the vulnerability of Portmore to natural hazards, as Portmore has a history of inland and coastal flooding from storm surges. Many storms that pass through the island begin their entry along Portmore's south coast. Also, an increasing number of persons are at risk as Portmore is the fastest growing community in the island," said Norman Harris, director of research and mapping at the MGD.