SERVIR, the joint programme between USAID and NASA, uses satellite images from space to track climate shocks like droughts, floods, and dramatic changes in water levels — all challenges that can devastate families and entire nations.
Through observations and data from space, USAID and NASA are tracking weather patterns in 50 countries, and working with local experts on the ground to ensure that these findings can best be leveraged to fit specific local needs so that families can take action ahead of a crisis.
In Kathmandu, SERVIR is developing a 48-hour flash flood forecast for rivers in Nepal and Bangladesh. As this information gets into the hands of local partners, decision-makers on the ground can stay ahead of a potentially devastating flood and save lives and livelihoods. SERVIR is also making this vital information open to the public and into the hands of local change-makers through a mobile app and daily flood bulletins.
Future-proofing Earth from Space Climate shocks are increasing in frequency and magnitude, and in many cases, responding in the aftermath of a devastating flood or drought means too many lives and livelihoods lost. From space, we can rapidly decipher the kind of lifesaving details that would be nearly impossible to gather from Earth.
Source: Medium