<
https://theconversation.com/earthquake-in-turkey-and-syria-how-satellites-can-help-rescue-efforts-199357>
"In disasters like the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and 7.5-magnitude aftershock
that struck Syria and Turkey on February 6, 2023, international cooperation on
satellite imaging plays a crucial role in the rescue and recovery efforts.
Such data enables humanitarian aid to better deliver water and food by mapping
the condition of roads, bridges, buildings, and – most crucially – identifying
populations trying to escape potential aftershocks by gathering in stadiums or
other open spaces.
To quickly turn the eyes of satellites toward the affected areas, the Turkish
Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) requested the activation of
the international charter on “Space and Major Disasters” at 7:04 a.m. local
time. The United Nations did so for Syria at 11:29 local time.
In the meantime, 11 space agencies got ready to operate the most appropriate
optical and radar satellites. For France, these are the optical satellites
Spot, Pléaides and Pléiades Neo (medium, high and very high resolution), which
will provide the first images as they pass over the area. Radar satellites will
complement the optical information, as they also operate at night and through
clouds, and can image landslides and even very small changes in altitude.
Every year, millions of people around the world are affected by disasters,
whether natural (cyclone, tornado, typhoon, earthquake, landslide, volcanic
eruption, tsunami, flood, forest fire, etc.) or man-made (oil pollution,
industrial explosions, and more). Unfortunately, the intensity and frequency of
these disasters are increasing with climate change, creating more and more
victims, damaged homes, and devastated landscapes."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
