The International Charter: Space and Major Disasters has been triggered to provide satellite-based emergency maps in response to a category four storm that passed over the Bahamas on 2nd. October, causing widespread destruction. Winds of over 130 mph, up to 600mm of rain and 3 metre storm surges have been reported.
The mechanism was activated on 6 October 2015, at 13:01:16 (UTC -05:00) by USGS on behalf of Bahamas Environment. The slow moving storm was said to strengthen further as it moved to the central Bahamas. Locals reported battered trees and buildings without roofs; surging waters also reached the windows of some homes.
The International Charter reported: “The storm path forecasted to travel to states along the eastern US coast. The governors of New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland and North and South Carolina have declared states of emergency. By the 6th October Hurricane Joaquin swept through South Carolina. Heavy rains, around 5-9 inches, fell in 24 hours closing local government offices and schools. Meteorologists forecasted further flash flood warnings before the storm faded, making it unlikely floodwaters would recede quickly.”
