BEIRA: Satellite Images highlight damage from Cyclone Idai

European Space Imaging has released a series of before and after images highlighting the extent of the damage occurred. The images were captured by DigitalGlobe, A Maxar Company, satellite WorldView-2 at 40 cm resolution. Roads appear to be muddy - an after effect of flooding - along with severe vegetation loss. Many buildings are either completely destroyed or severely damaged and soil erosion is clearly evident.

The damage to infrastructure is estimated to be more than $1 billion according to the Economic Commission for Africa. The scale of Beira's devastation demonstrates the vulnerability of cities experiencing rapid urbanization without proper planning. Rising sea levels and climate change contributed to this vulnerability warned the UN's Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.

"Very High Resolution satellite imagery is an important support measure to evaluate the extent of any disaster," says Adrian Zevenbergen, Managing Director at European Space Imaging. "The data is a powerful tool that can assist decision-makers to effectively rebuild damaged areas and provides a basis for a safer development of the city".

Image - An image of the Beira coastline captured after Cyclone Idai highlights severe vegetation loss, damaged buildings and soil erosion. Satellite Imagery © DigitalGlobe, A Maxar Company - supplied by European Space Imaging

For more information visit www.euspaceimaging.com.