Recent satellite imagery has unveiled the extensive destruction that Hurricane Melissa inflicted upon Jamaica. This powerful storm made landfall on October 28, marking it as the fourth hurricane to strike the island in 75 years, and it has since set multiple records for Atlantic hurricanes. According to Yale Climate Connections, Hurricane Melissa has now been classified as the strongest hurricane to ever make landfall in the Atlantic, tying with the infamous “Labor Day” hurricane of 1935.
As of October 31, the death toll from the storm has reached at least 50, with damages expected to exceed $50 billion, as reported by Reuters. The full extent of the devastation is still being evaluated. Satellite photos provided by Vantor Technology, formerly known as Maxar, are beginning to illustrate the scale of the damage across Jamaica, revealing areas that have been severely flooded or damaged by strong winds.
In response to the disaster, Vantor Technology has made its satellite imagery available at no cost, aiming to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. The company stated, “This imagery can be used by frontline organizations and geospatial community members to map changes on the ground and identify the most severely impacted areas, helping ensure resources are allocated quickly and effectively.”
Images from Vantor showcase the devastating effect of Hurricane Melissa, particularly in regions like Black River in southwestern Jamaica. This visual data is crucial for first responders, enabling them to pinpoint the hardest-hit areas and prioritize immediate assistance. As floodwaters recede, responders will also utilize this imagery to assess safety for entering affected zones to search for survivors and evaluate the full extent of the damage.
Before Hurricane Melissa, only two storms—Hurricane Charlie and Hurricane Gilbert—had achieved major hurricane status on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale when making landfall on Jamaica. However, Melissa has surpassed all previous hurricanes, reaching a Category 5 classification with wind speeds reaching 185 miles per hour (298 kilometers per hour), making it the most destructive hurricane in Jamaica”s recorded history.
