Climate change is profoundly affecting the Caribbean Sea, resulting in more intense hurricanes, increased flooding, and rising ocean temperatures. These changes have significant ecological, economic, and social implications for the region, necessitating urgent action to mitigate and adapt to these evolving challenges.
The necessity for effective hurricane risk management in Caribbean small islands is underscored by the region’s high vulnerability to increasing high-intensity hurricanes, tropical storms and high wind squalls which result in significant socio-economic and environmental impacts. These islands face disproportionate risks due to their geographic location, limited land area, and high population density along coastlines, making them particularly susceptible to severe damage from hurricanes.
The frequency and intensity of these storms are exacerbated by climate change, further amplifying the urgency for robust risk management strategies. Effective hurricane risk management encompasses disaster preparedness, early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, and comprehensive recovery plans, which are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects on communities, economies, and ecosystems. By implementing these measures, Caribbean small islands can enhance their resilience, protect livelihoods, and ensure sustainable development in the face of increasing climatic threats.
On July 6, 2024, Hurricane Beryl entered the Caribbean with sustained winds of 150 miles (240 km) per hour. On the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique, more than 95 percent homes of were either damaged or destroyed, according to official estimates. Seaweed farms were completely decimated. Although the hurricane did not pass over Saint Lucia, eighty percent of the seamoss sector was damaged due to storm surges.
This paper serves to document recent events of Hurricane Beryl on seaweed farmers, solutions and the need for continued preparedness and resilience in the face of hurricane threats.