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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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Environment and development in coastal regions and in small islands |
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CSI papers 1
Hurricane Impacts in Nevis
Audra Barrett, Fisheries Division, Nevis
Leonard Huggins, Physical Planning Unit, Nevis
Abstract
The effects of Hurricane Hugo in 1989 and Hurricane Luis in 1995 on the beaches of Nevis are discussed. While the pattern of erosion was similar in both hurricanes, with the west coast beaches being the most severely impacted, the magnitude of the erosion was greater in 1995. The combined impact of the two hurricanes has caused retreat of the coastline behind the beaches and this is regarded as a permanent change. The damage to coastal infrastructure was also more severe in 1995, almost every structure on the west coast within 100 feet of the high water mark was destroyed. It is recommended that existing setbacks should be revised to take account of local variations so as to maximize the use of land while at the same time providing coastal buffers to protect buildings during storms and hurricanes.
