Non- Traditional Settlement Patterns & Typhoon Hazards on contemporary Majuro

This paper presents a case study of traditional and contemporary settlement patterns of Majuro, and discusses its vulnerability to storm surges. The paper shows that the application of traditional knowledge extends to the realm of urban planning and that, in fact, ignoring this traditional knowledge as expressed in preWorld War II settlement patterns, exposes urban development to increased flood hazards, a risk which may exact a price too high in life and property.