Jamaica Emergency Response System: AI-Powered Disaster Relief Platform for Hurricane Melissa Recovery
Following the natural disaster in Jamaica (Hurricane Melissa) in October 2025, the AI Transparency Institute prepared a beta version of an Emergency response system with real-time weather data, shelter locations, and direct emergency notifications for citizens. This innovative Jamaica emergency response system is a comprehensive digital platform designed to save lives during natural disasters. This is a first attempt for the AI Transparency Institute to use AI in a context of Emergency Response.
What is this Response System?
The emergency response platform combines artificial intelligence with real-time weather data to create a human-centered disaster management tool for Jamaica and the Caribbean region. This beta version emergency system provides:
- Real-time weather alerts and satellite imagery for Jamaica
- Emergency shelter locations with live capacity updates across all 14 parishes
- Direct victim-to-first-responder communication channels
- AI-powered response optimization to reduce emergency response times
- Live hurricane tracking with NOAA satellite integration
Hurricane Melissa: Record-Breaking Category 5 Storm
Hurricane Melissa made history as the strongest tropical cyclone globally in 2025, with the world record for highest wind gust ever measured at 252 mph (406 km/h) via dropsonde. This devastated force affected Cuba, Haiti, Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas.
Key Features of the Platform
1. Real-Time Weather Data Integration
The emergency system integrates multiple data sources: OpenWeatherMap API for current conditions, NOAA GOES-East satellite imagery, Real-time precipitation radar, Hurricane tracking from National Hurricane Center.
2. Emergency Shelter Network
Access to 881 emergency shelters across Jamaica: Live capacity updates by parish, Contact information for Emergency Operations Centres, GPS navigation to nearest shelter, Shelter status (open/standby).
3. Direct Emergency Notifications
Citizens can report emergencies to first responders, request medical assistance, alert authorities about trapped victims, access emergency contact numbers.
Future Development
The AI Transparency Institute plans to enhance the system with an integration with government emergency systems. Contact us for more information.
Acknowledgment:
- Weather Data: CNN Weather, NOAA, OpenWeatherMap
- Satellite Imagery: NOAA GOES-East
- Emergency Coordination: Jamaica ODPEM
- Anthropic
AI Transparency Institute