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Jamaica

months. While these are the rainy seasons for the entire island, Jamaica’s aver- age rainfall varies widely from region to region. Kingston receives about 32 inches (81 cm) of rain per year. Jamaica’s northeastern mountains receive over 200 inches (500 cm) of rain per year. The country’s annual rainfall averages about 78 inches (198 cm). The official hurricane season in Jamaica is from June 1 to November 30. Most hurricanes that have hit the island have occurred before the end of September, however. Hurricane Gilbert, which struck the island in September 1988, is still remembered for its severity. This hurricane left about 500,000 Jamaicans homeless. The monstrous winds from the hurricane ripped the roofs off an estimated 80 percent of the island’s homes. Forty-five Jamaicans were killed during this natural disaster.

A Jamaican man cleans up in the aftermath of Hurricane Gilbert. In September 1988 the hurri- cane devastated the island, leaving 500,000 people homeless and destroying an estimated $50 million in banana, coffee, sugarcane, and other crops.