The Bahamas Final Hazards Report
Hurricanes
Hurricanes in the Bahamas do not happen as often, but when they do it causes significant amount of damage. Hurricanes only form over warm ocean water of 80°F or warmer. The atmosphere (the air) must cool off very quickly the higher you go. Also, the wind must be blowing in the same direction and at the same speed to force air upward from the ocean surface. Winds flow outward above the storm allowing the air below to rise. According to past records, hurricanes do not occur in the Bahamas as frequently as they do along the east coast of the US mainland. In hopes of preventing this damage, officials have constructed sea walls in hopes of preventing huge damage on the roads due to roads being too close to the shorelines. The Bahamas has recently experienced hurricane Joaquin which has destroyed several islands in the southern area. This has caused power outage, water shortage due to contamination. Joaquin has caused drastic flooding and this massive storm has left many residents hungry, homeless and lack of clean water. This is majority of what was available in regards to extreme weather. This should be addressed because of the significant damage that Hurricane Joaquin has done.
Earthquakes
The Bahamas experienced earthquakes in the Southern part of the island country. They have experienced minor exposures to the south side of the country due to the earthquakes from the Caribbean. Large earthquakes are caused in the southern coast of Cuba and the northern part of Haiti. As a result, this caused significant shaking in the southern part of the island. An earthquake is the sudden release of stored energy in the earth's crust; most earthquakes occur along a fracture within the earth, called a fault. The shaking caused by this sudden shift is often very small, but occasionally large earthquakes produce very strong ground shaking. It is this strong shaking and its consequences – ground failure, landslides, liquefaction – that results in damaged buildings and structures and often results in negative impacts on the economy.
Eleuthera Governor's Harbor is the perfect location to stay in the Bahamas. Geographically in the center of the island, you are close enough for day trips to the southern and northern points. Eleuthera is an island of casual sophistication, housing isolated communities, well-developed resorts, rocky bluffs, low-lying wetlands and massive coral reefs that create magnificent backdrops. My recommendations would be increasing awareness of these hazards. If money wasn’t an option. I would like to store hazard devices inside of each house and other areas around the island. Although there are radios and media that are available, there are not always available to those around the island. In addition, in case of an emergency I will create available housing for those who are temporarily away from their homes/work. Even for those who do not have a shelter. As long as there are available spaces available to anyone in need. These shelters/areas will be mainly located in the southern areas of the island. Most of the natural hazards occur on the southern part and on the coastal island depending on the hazard.
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