We recently learned about the passing of Rafi Ahmad, a renowned geologist and former lecturer in the Department of Geography and Geology at The University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. Rafi was also a Fellow at the Mona GeoInformatics Institute (MGI), a member of the Geological Society of Jamaica and also a Fellow at Geological Society of London.
Rafi had a distinguished publication record, authoring and editing numerous books, journal articles, and refereed publications on natural hazards and hazards management. He received several prestigious awards and honors, including the 2003 United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Reduction, the De La Beche Award for Outstanding Contribution on a Sustained Basis, and accolades from the Geological Society of Jamaica and the International Landslide Research Group for his leadership in landslide hazard reduction in the Caribbean.
At MGI, we collaborated on numerous initiatives with Rafi, who was like a father figure to all of us. Rafi made extensive contributions to knowledge in various fields, including Urban and Environmental Geology, Tectonic Geomorphology, Engineering Geology and geotechnical site investigation, Earth sciences-based Environmental Impact Assessment, natural hazard management and Disaster Risk Reduction, and Public Education on the Physical Environment.
He co-authored the book “Natural Hazards Atlas of Jamaica” with former MGI Director Dr. Parris Lyew-Ayee Jr. Rafi was widely respected and admired, known for his evidence-based approach to science and his dedication to his family. The MGI, the UWI Mona community, and all who knew him mourn the loss of such a distinguished gentleman.
rafi #rip #geology #geography #rafiahmad #hazards #landslides #flooding #mapping #lucknow #jamaica #india
