Satellites to Help with Floods

By  //  December 15, 2021

Just like trying 10 free spins no deposit, the advent of satellites all started as a joke when Isaac Newton first experimented with the invention of an artificial satellite way back in 1687. But today, the satellite has become a masterpiece in providing data and saving lives from flood damages and other natural disasters.

International organisations and governments are now using satellites to help with floods. Due to the increased flood incidents in the world today, flood management can be very challenging to the water authorities, as well as a global concern to insurance industries.

So, in this short walk, we are going to look at how the satellite can help the world to intercept the dangers of floods, but before we go there, let us briefly look at the history of the satellite.

History of Satellite

The story of satellites was the idea of Issac Newton. He first experimented with artificial satellites and demonstrated the motion of natural satellites way back in 1687. The story of the satellite resurfaced in a couple of write-ups by various authors on different dimensions after several years.

Until 1957 when Sputnik 1 (the 1st ever artificial satellite) was launched by the Soviet Union. Following the success of Sputnik 1, the US also built and launched Explorer 1 in 1958. Thereafter, various satellites were built following modern technology for multiple purposes. Today, the satellite is widely used scientifically, economically, and politically by different organisations, and the biggest artificial satellite is the “International Space Station”.

Flood Monitoring

Using satellite data for flood monitoring gives the authorities a precise and quick overview of flooded areas or areas with the risk of flood damages. Satellite gives local authorities and emergency services the ability to access and determine relevant data about the degree of flood damage.

It provides data concerning even the smallest areas with flood damage potentials. Which is an important step in flood management. It provides accurate data for areas with even the lowest and the highest risk of flood damage to enable the authorities to easily identify those areas with the need for resources and immediate intervention.

It also monitors and identifies changes in those areas where the risk of flood damage was high, which also helps the authorities to know where to redirect their focus for intervention beforehand.

Supportive Operation

With regular and accurate data from the satellite, a well-equipped and reliable rescue team on the ground immediately takes the right steps to save lives and properties in the risk area and even amid the event.

In 2019 in Canada, the provinces of Quebec, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Ontario were hit by flood and snowmelt, destroying farmlands and leaving people homeless. The government of Quebec had to deploy more than 2,000 soldiers to help residents and distribute sandbags in the area.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the satellite has a great role in the management of floods around the world today. It does not just help to save lives in those risk zones but the economic values of those areas as well.

An area hit by the flood can cause potential life loss, soil contamination, production loss, consequential cost, and even making access roads impassable. With the satellite providing data that address the risk, all the above may not be completely saved, but life will be.