NASA Satellite Images Show How Hurricane Irma Devastated the Caribbean. Before now Tropical Storm Irma made landfall in the Florida Keys, killing at least nine and doing untold damage, then Hurricane Irma barreled through the Caribbean, killing dozens and flattening entire islands. According to the NASA Earth Observatory, the damage to the Virgin Islands is obvious even from its Landsat 8 satellite, which was able to capture high definition photographs showing the islands lush green turning to a muddy brown after Irma hit them at Category 5 status with 1. Theres no single reason why the island chain turned into a completely different color, though it is easily explained by a combination of factors. Irma tore up ground, sprayed debris and generally left the ground covered in detritus. As NASA Earth Observatorys Kathryn Hansen wrote, other likely causes include that high winds stripped away plants, revealing bare soil, and that salt spray whipped up by the hurricane can coat and desiccate leaves while they are still on the trees. Images of Virgin Gorda, she added, show remaining greenery in the south and west of the island were likely protected by hills. The entire Caribbean region saw at least 3. Hurricane Irma, which wiped some smaller islands like Barbuda practically off the map. The observatory posted similar satellite images showing widespread devastation there the neighboring island of Antigua, where the damage was reportedly less widespread, remained bright and green. NASAs Earth Observatory captured the images using the Operational Land Imager, an instrument carried on the Landsat 8 system launched in 2. The Virgin Islands saw such serious damage that the Washington Post reported locals say no one knows how to proceed in Irmas wake, with looting and armed burglaries reported. Video showed widespread destruction. Entire towns had few surviving structures. Restaurant manager Lauren Boquette, who was on St. The latest travel information, deals, guides and reviews from USA TODAY Travel. Year Medical School Programs Caribbean Airlines' title='6 Year Medical School Programs Caribbean Airlines' />John, told the Post they emerged to see beyond rough times, it was end of the world times. Everything normal to us has been destroyed. The VergeUpdate Some of the specific wording in this article has been updated after comments suggested it implied the observed browning was a mystery. As noted, its just a combination of possible factors. Logitech Manual For Harmony 880 Remote there. Texarkana, Texas and Arkansas newspaper. Includes news, sports, opinion, and local information. The Private Participation in Infrastructure PPI Project Database has data on over 6,400 infrastructure projects in 139 low and middleincome countries. The. Get the latest health news, diet fitness information, medical research, health care trends and health issues that affect you and your family on ABCNews. Thursday s session closes with the NASDAQ Composite Index at 6 873 97 The total shares traded for the. News, Photos and Information about Chicago Tribune. Wittnauer Wrist Serial Numbers there. Popular Topics. Ask Amy. AviationPros. com is the leading resource for the aviation industry. Find aviation news, commercial aviation products and reviews, aircraft maintenance, ground support.