Jamaica has received drones donated by the Government of Canada to strengthen its disaster response and recovery services, according to the Jamaica Information Service (JIS). The initiative comes as the Caribbean braces for increasingly powerful hurricanes, a consequence of rising ocean temperatures linked to climate change.
U.S. government forecasters have predicted an “above-normal” 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, with storms expected to intensify rapidly due to warmer waters and weaker westerly wind patterns. While the region contributes minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions, small island states remain among the most vulnerable to the devastating effects of climate change.
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Okieno Samuels, Project Manager at Jamaica’s Geographic Information System (GIS) division, said the drones will be vital in carrying out post-disaster risk assessments. Traditionally, these assessments would require on-the-ground teams to enter unstable and hazardous environments, placing lives at risk.
“We could have an automated response to disasters. Instead of sending people physically into dangerous areas, we could deploy drones to conduct flyovers and provide real-time assessments,” Samuels explained. He added that his office is also developing an artificial intelligence model capable of evaluating structural damages from aerial images, which could further improve the efficiency of disaster management efforts.
While the statement from JIS did not specify the number of drones donated, the support underscores Canada’s role as a key development partner in helping the Caribbean adapt to climate challenges.
The importance of enhanced disaster preparedness was highlighted earlier this season when Hurricane Erin reached Category 5 status in just over 27 hours, making it one of the fastest intensifying storms on record. Fortunately, Erin veered away from land, but the event raised alarm among regional leaders about the growing risks posed by superstorms.
The 2024 season was one of the most active in recent memory, producing two Category 5 storms among five major hurricanes. Hurricane Beryl, the earliest Category 5 storm on record, left widespread devastation in the eastern Caribbean. Grenada, one of the hardest-hit nations, has said it may take decades to fully recover from the destruction.
According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the ongoing 2025 season, which extends until November 30, is projected to bring six to ten hurricanes, including three to five of major intensity with sustained winds of at least 111 mph (178 km/h). Last year’s season produced 11 hurricanes, underscoring the escalating frequency and strength of storms in the region.
With the arrival of the drones, Jamaica joins a growing number of Caribbean nations turning to advanced technologies to mitigate the risks of climate-related disasters. Officials say the investment will not only improve emergency response but also strengthen resilience for communities most vulnerable to extreme weather events.
