Guadeloupe, as a Caribbean island group and an overseas region of France, faces several environmental hazards due to its geography, climate, and human activities. These hazards impact both the environment and public safety.
1. Volcanic Activity
- La Soufrière Volcano (on Basse-Terre) is active.
- Last eruption: 1976 (led to evacuation of over 70,000 people).
- Frequent gas emissions, earthquakes, and fumaroles.
- Monitored by the Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Guadeloupe.
Hazards include:
- Ashfall
- Landslides
- Toxic gas emissions
- Lahars (volcanic mudflows)
2. Hurricanes & Tropical Storms
- Located in the Atlantic hurricane belt.
- Hurricane season: June to November.
- Major hurricanes:
- Hurricane Hugo (1989)
- Hurricane Maria (2017)
Hazards include:
- Flooding
- Storm surges
- Coastal erosion
- Infrastructure destruction
- Power outages and crop loss
3. Earthquakes
- Guadeloupe is in a seismically active zone (Caribbean Plate).
- Earthquakes are frequent, mostly minor but occasionally destructive.
- Example: The 2004 Les Saintes earthquake (magnitude 6.3).
4. Flooding & Landslides
- Caused by:
- Heavy rainfall during storms
- Mountainous terrain in Basse-Terre
- Deforestation and poor drainage
- Particularly dangerous in river valleys and hillsides.
5. Climate Change Impacts
- Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and beaches.
- Coral reef bleaching from warmer ocean temperatures.
- More intense hurricanes and rainfall variability.
- Loss of biodiversity in forests and marine environments.
6. Pollution & Industrial Hazards
- Chlordecone contamination: A pesticide used in banana plantations (1970s–1993) has caused long-term soil and water pollution.
- Linked to health issues, including cancer and fertility problems.
- Affects agriculture, fishing, and public trust.
- Marine plastic pollution from tourism and shipping.
- Air pollution from vehicles and volcanic gases.
7. Invasive Species
- Examples:
- Green iguana (threat to native iguanas)
- Mongoose (predator of birds and reptiles)
- Lionfish (invasive predator in coral reefs)
- Disrupt ecosystems and native biodiversity.
Summary Table
| Hazard Type | Main Risk Factors & Effects |
|---|---|
| Volcanoes | La Soufrière: ash, gas, landslides |
| Hurricanes | Flooding, wind damage, storm surges |
| Earthquakes | Sudden ground shaking, building damage |
| Floods/Landslides | Heavy rains, terrain instability |
| Climate Change | Sea-level rise, coral bleaching, stronger storms |
| Pollution | Chlordecone pesticide, marine litter, air/water contamination |
| Invasive Species | Ecological disruption and loss of native wildlife |
