EU’s satellite coverage tracks Australian floods
The European Union is providing widespread satellite coverage of the east coast to help Australian authorities respond to the flooding crisis.
The EU’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) has so far provided 28 maps of flooded areas since last Saturday after a request from Emergency Management Australia.
The EU’s Ambassador to Australia, Michael Pulch, says the European service has so far provided maps and images for areas covering Brisbane, Gympie, Gatton, Grantham, Wivenhoe and Maryborough.
“The EU’s CEMS would expect to continue to provide satellite support for as long as the Australian authorities require the data information to deal with the rainfall as it moves down the coastline,” Dr Pulch said.
“At this stage the EU service has requests to also cover the areas of Lismore, Ballina, Raymond Terrace, Gosford, Richmond, Georges River and Nowra.”
Dr Pulch said the satellite coverage provides important information for Australian authorities to examine the extent of the flooding, formulate detailed plans and inform all levels of the emergency response structure.
“The EU is pleased to provide a valuable service which produces concrete results when it’s needed most,” he said. “We have been providing this important service to our partners in Australia for several years for natural disaster events such as flooding and bushfires in Australia.”
The satellites use radar technology to see through clouds as well as optical technology on clear days.
The request for assistance and the packages are publicly available here.