Mapping forest damage in northern Nicaragua after Hurricane Felix (2007) using MODIS enhanced vegetation index data

This study employed a rapid assessment method for post-hurricane forest damage estimation following Hurricane Felix (4 September 2007) in Nicaragua, using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) 250m, enhanced vegetation index (EVI) imagery. Post-hurricane forest damage was characterized using pre- and post-hurricane EVI data, assisted by post-hurricane aerial photographs. The agreement between the obtained EVI damage map and the reference data set ranged from 91% in high-damage locations to 85% in low-damage locations, with 86% overall agreement. Broadleaf forests comprised more than half of the study area and experienced larger damage (>75% trees blown down) than Pine forests. Results indicate that MODIS 250m EVI products are adequate for post-hurricane damage assessment of tropical forests.