Natural disasters across America are rising 2-3x beyond historical norms, yet a program started after the September 11, 2001 attacks continues to deliver critical aerial imagery that aids governments, insurers and other sectors in effective response.

, /PRNewswire/ -- Over the last five years, the United States has seen an annual increase in major climate disasters. 2023 recorded 28. 2024 totaled 17. 2025 reached 21. That is roughly 2-3x above the long-term average of about nine, per NOAA. These events each carry costs near a billion dollars. Some, such as wildfires, far surpass that amount. Even in quieter years, groups face heightened exposure from any one incident.

Recovery often stalls when responders, insurers and partners lack a clear view of damage extent. Aerial imagery clarifies risk levels for experts by revealing roof failure potential, storm impacts on properties or true asset conditions. Absent this data, flawed or unconfirmed risk assessments waste time and funds for insurers, contractors, officials and leaders. When information lacks trust for action, teams fall back on slow manual checks that inflate expenses.

Eagleview, a top supplier of aerial imagery, geospatial data and property insights, supplies these visuals during crises. This year marks the 25th anniversary of its Disaster Response Program (DRP), which evolved from one flight after the September 11, 2001 attacks into a steady, year-round effort aiding recovery nationwide.

"When we began this work 25 years ago, it addressed one event," said Piers Dormeyer, CEO of Eagleview. "Now a full team supports it. Customers face multiple disasters at once, and we must match that pace. DRP ensures safety, backs governments and delivers needed imagery fast for recovery planning."

From One Mission to Ongoing Readiness

In 2001, the then-small Rochester, New York startup captured aerial views of the World Trade Center site weeks after the attacks and shared them with on-site teams. That effort, done without a set program, set the core idea still used today: prompt, precise imagery helps groups see changes and choose faster, smarter recovery steps.

The approach faced a major test with Hurricane Katrina, where prior imagery of Orleans Parish, Louisiana allowed direct before-and-after comparisons and aided recovery for years. The company then formalized the program as a reliable service for customers.

Over 25 years, DRP has assisted agencies, insurers and infrastructure firms after hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes in the United States, Canada and Haiti. In the past two years alone, it addressed tornadoes in Illinois and Oklahoma, flooding in Hawaii and Kentucky, and wildfires in California, Washington and other North American areas. At times the team handled several responses at once, including Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

A Model Designed for Overlapping Events

The firm operates over 100 aircraft, broad baseline coverage of the United States and Canada, and positioned teams and planes to cut response times during concurrent events.

"Our disaster process mirrors standard imagery capture but runs on a much faster schedule," said Robert Locke, President of Eagleview's Government Solutions. "We track events, set interest zones, create flight plans and position aircraft once weather permits. The key update is dedicated staff ready for emergencies beyond single events."

Since December 2025, Eagleview has handled 17 severe weather events in 10 states.

"DRP work is always demanding and unpredictable, yet vital to our mission. It forms the core of what we do," said Eagleview CEO Piers Dormeyer. "Its effect on served communities is real and guides our ongoing standards."

About Eagleview

Eagleview leads in geospatial intelligence (GeoAI) with AI-driven property solutions that let customers across industries examine structures, apply fixes now and spot future chances. For over 25 years, it has developed imaging tech with more than 300 patents and over 3.5 billion high-resolution images covering 96 percent of the U.S. population. Its reliable insights support key business choices.

SOURCE Eagleview Technologies, Inc.