Robert Lalah, Staff Reporter
JAMAICA, LIKE many other countries across the world, experienced several environment-related catastrophes in 2005.
An abnormally active hurricane season caused flooding and landslides that turned the lives of many residents upside down.
But according to some environmentalists, the coming year may bring with it, even more such catastrophes.
Rafi Ahmad, of the Geology Department at the University of the West Indies, Mona, said the nation should brace itself for another active year.
Speaking specifically to landslides, Mr. Ahmad warned that if residents continue to build on susceptible land areas, the results could be devastating.
INCREASE IN LANDSLIDES
"Our geological slopes are prone to landslides from the beginning. If we continue to clear and build on areas that are vulnerable then we will have more destruction."
Mr. Ahmad said that if as much rain fell in 2006 as did this year, there will be a sharp increase in landslides.
"The prediction is that the hurricane season next year will be even more active. This is a serious cause for concern," he said.
To combat this problem, Mr. Ahmad said builders and farmers should pay closer attention to the land spaces they use.
"They have to make sure that they match land use with land constraints. Otherwise, it's like asking a man with heart disease to run 20 miles. He will collapse," Mr. Ahmad said.
