Guatemala’s Caribbean coast is extremely susceptible to hurricanes and other tropical storms. In Guatemala, communities of the Pacific coast have suffered in previous years from the continuous flooding in low coastal zones, destroying all infrastructure. The National Policy for the Integrated Management of Marina Coastal Zones has a strict agenda for integrated management of the hydro-graphic basins and coastal regions. The coastal regions of Guatemala are known as one to endure heavy impacts of the inadequate management of the high hydro-graphic basins. Government and non-government organizations and institutions were immediately incorporated after the elaboration of the IMMCZ. Along with the coastal zone management strategies, there are also further proposals and actions being set into place. According to research, future climate change has the ability to affect climate variability as well as storm or tidal surges, tropical cyclones, and hurricanes. Sometimes following these natural hazards are flooding of the coast, saltwater intrusion into the fresh water systems, erosion, damaged soils, and coastal infrastructure disasters.
The Guatemalan Government took significant steps towards a more proactive approach to disaster risk management and comprehensive disaster risk reduction and financing strategies. These efforts culminated in the adoption of the 2009-2011 National Program for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (NPDPM).
The Guatemalan Government took significant steps towards a more proactive approach to disaster risk management and comprehensive disaster risk reduction and financing strategies. These efforts culminated in the adoption of the 2009-2011 National Program for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (NPDPM).
References: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/gt.html
http://www.cepal.org/publicaciones/xml/5/15505/L370-1-EN.pdf
http://www.unfalumni.org/guatemala-climate-change-and-world-oceans-day-2014/http://www.worldbank.org/en/results/2013/10/08/promoting-proactive-disaster-risk-management-in-Guatemala
Wow I didn't even know that Guatemala suffered from tropical storms and I didn't know that following those natural disasters they are faced with other coastal problems. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIceland is often hit with cyclones, as well. These storms Usually occur during winter months. That's wonderful Guatemala is now implementing a new disaster mitigation plan. Iceland's authorities educate their population on natural hazards and make sure to warn the public before a cyclone occurs. Being preemptive is the best way to reduce fatalies and possibly save cost on damaged infrastructure. Wonderful post!
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