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

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