Project Overview
Through the 12-city Cities Forward program, RCC helped the St. James Municipal Corporation (SJMC) develop a comprehensive program for stormwater management and flood risk reduction. RCC is now helping SJMC establish three sensor-based early warning systems for the major stormwater catchments that contribute to chronic flooding in central Montego Bay.
The Problem
Heavy rain and hurricanes in western Jamaica have exposed people living along Montego Bay’s three stormwater and river drainages to flooding, injury, and losses of property and income. UNDRR reports that extreme rainfall in January 2021 flooded the homes of 933 people in the North and South Gully drainages with mud slurry. In a similar event in 2017, water crested 1.5 meters above the channels.
Thirty-two percent of households in flood-prone areas are migrants, and about three-quarters of those households are informal settlers. Many households are headed by single mothers caring for children, which adds to the demands on them during extreme events.
Hurricane Melissa in 2025 caused more severe damage. The Jamaican government earmarked nearly US$13 million for emergency repairs to these channels. Longer-term risk reduction will require investment in gray and green infrastructure, land-use controls, and improvements in affected neighborhoods.
RCC’s Role
RCC advised the mayor and municipal CEO on using a Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN) for early warning in each drainage. RCC prepared an initial concept plan, including system configuration and cost estimates, with the municipal budget and staff maintenance needs in mind. When water rises above a set threshold, the system will trigger rooftop sirens and phone alerts for residents, vendors, businesses, and travelers.
RCC helped SJMC develop a grant proposal to finalize the system design, procure equipment and software, and install and test the systems. The Mayors Migration Council’s Global Cities Fund awarded funding that also covers zonal disaster plans, resident education, and drills.
Progress and Expected Reach
The project is ongoing. The three systems are expected to reduce flood risk for an estimated 11,920 residents, primarily people with lower incomes.
What’s Next
After the first year of operation, RCC plans to help the mayor and municipal CEO convene a regional workshop on connecting local LoRaWAN warning systems with national and regional meteorological models and warning arrangements.
RCC will also explore how a local project preparation and investment entity could develop and manage a portfolio of climate adaptation and economic development investments aligned with the Parish Disaster Plan and Local Sustainable Development Plan.