Renovate and build more reservoirs

THE EDITOR, Madam:

It has been reported in the media that water levels at our two main dams, the Mona Reservoir and the Hermitage Dam, are at critically low levels, and the government has instituted water-restriction measures in the Corporate Area to alleviate this problem.

TVJ News reported that the Hermitage Dam was at 31.4 per cent of its normal capacity, while the Mona Reservoir was at 48.4 per cent capacity. Recent data from scientists indicate that the world’s oceans have been experiencing above-normal temperatures with the onset of the El Niño phenomenon. Data suggest that this pattern is expected to intensify, as it is not expected to peak until March or April next year. If this continues, the warmer seas could contribute to extreme weather by generating additional moisture and energy, which generally tend to increase rainfall or hurricane activity.

What is quite concerning is that the trade winds normally move from east to west but, in this case, the reverse tends to occur, with winds moving in the opposite direction. If this theory is correct, it would imply that, as the winds weaken, this shift or reversal in the trade winds will cause them to lose strength and ultimately result in stronger wind shear, less moisture and, hence, much drier weather across the Caribbean.

If this correlation is accurate, it would suggest that less rainfall is likely this year and, consequently, fewer hurricanes will form. Moreover, scientists have warned that this phenomenon could remain with us globally for quite some time.

Hence, it is imperative that Caribbean governments continue to renovate existing dams and seek to build new reservoirs. Given the current water shortage and the projection of below-normal rainfall, we must be prepared for any eventuality in the long term.

Finally, the population has increased significantly over the last 40 years. Therefore, it is critical that we expand capacity to sustain future generations.

DANIEL MORGAN