Big Data, Small Island: Earth Observations for Improving Flood and Landslide Risk Assessment in Jamaica

Abstract

The Caribbean region is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards. Resultant impacts may be derived from single or multiple cascading risks caused by hydrological-meteorological, seismic, geologic, or anthropological triggers, disturbances, or events. Studies suggest that event records and data related to hazards, risk, damage, and loss are limited in this region. National Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) planning and response require data of sufficient quantity and quality to generate actionable information, statistical inferences, and insights to guide continual policy improvements for effective DRR, national preparedness, and response in both time and space. To address this knowledge gap, we review the current state of knowledge, data, models, and tools, identifying potential opportunities, capacity needs, and long-term benefits for integrating Earth Observation (EO) understanding, data, models, and tools to further enhance and strengthen the national DRR framework using two common disasters in Jamaica: floods and landslides. This review serves as an analysis of the current state of DRR management and assess future opportunities. Equally, to illustrate and guide other United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) priority countries in the Pacific region, known as Small Island Developing States (SIDS), to grapple with threats of multiple and compounding hazards in the face of increasing frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme weather events, and climate change impact.

Evaluating the Role of Big Data in U.S. Disaster Mitigation and Response: A Geological and Business Perspective

“…This integration supports the management of water resources and addresses water ecology and Earth science issues, thereby aligning geological insights with business strategies for disaster mitigation. Avalon-Cullen et al (2023) focus on the use of Earth Observations and big data for improving flood and landslide risk assessment in Jamaica. Their study illustrates how big data can be utilized to enhance national Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) planning and response.…”

“…The study underscores the importance of model-driven engineering in developing and modeling flood scenarios, aiding in preparation and response planning. Avalon-Cullen et al (2023) focus on the Caribbean region, particularly Jamaica, which is highly vulnerable to multiple hazards including floods and landslides. Their study reviews the current state of knowledge, data, models and tools for disaster risk reduction (DRR) planning and response.…”

ENSO Impacts on Jamaican Rainfall Patterns: Insights from CHIRPS High-Resolution Data for Disaster Risk Management

“…The island's interior is dominated by several mountain ranges, with the Blue Mountains, the longest range in Jamaica, holding its highest peak at 2256 m. Located in the Caribbean Hurricane Alley, Jamaica has suffered the consequences of devastating storms over the years, having experienced 11 named storms that made landfall between 1988 and 2012. These storms have caused floods, flash floods, and landslides across the island, and significant damage to the population of approximately 2.9 million people, with substantial losses in GDP [1,3,27].…”

“…The Island of Jamaica, just like other small island developing states (SIDS) located in the Caribbean region, faces unique challenges related to natural hazards and climate change impacts (NHCIs). Its susceptibility is particularly evident in the form of hydrometeorological hazards, such as powerful storms that can cause significant damage, exacerbating the effects of other risks, such as floods and landslides [1,2]. The consequences of NHCIs are far-reaching and profound, affecting various aspects of Jamaican society, already resulting in an estimated 238 million USD, about 1.5% of Jamaica's yearly GDP [3].…”

“…This includes possible changes in a station's location or change measurement sensors that can affect data quality, particularly for a longer time-series record. Some areas within the Caribbean region have no observation stations, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive and synoptic approach [1,15]. Burgess et al [16] highlighted that historical data indicates an increasing trend in severe flood events, with an average of 14 events per decade.…”