The National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) is undertaking ground-truthing activities to assess the damage caused by the recent passage of hurricane Melissa.

Ground-truthing is the validation of remotely collected data (from satellites, aerial surveys, drones or sensors) by conducting direct, on-site observations. 

This ensures that what is seen in imagery or models truly reflects conditions on the ground.

Speaking with the Jamaica Information Service, NEPA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Environmental Management and Sustainability, Anthony Mckenzie said the hurricane significantly damaged important ecological systems, particularly in St. Elizabeth and Trelawny.

Mr. Mckenzie stated that, according to the Forestry Department, approximately 50 of Jamaica’s forested areas were impacted by the hurricane.

He noted that initial assessments revealed the vegetation was severely decimated, creating the impression that “all was lost”.

Mr. Mckenzie said  the agency has been assessing the damage manually, by going into the field to measure, visualize and observe.

Mr. Mckenzie informed that NEPA has completed an initial assessment of the damage, which is being incorporated into the National Assessment Report, coordinated by the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ).

In terms of rehabilitation and restoration, the Deputy CEO noted that while some plants may attempt to regenerate in certain areas vegetation may be destroyed.