International cooperation in applying VNREDSat-1 images in the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters
Apart from serving socio-economic development, the prevention and mitigation of natural disasters in Vietnam the satellite has captured images of several areas affected by natural disasters in other Asian countries and shared the satellite data. The international community appreciated the image quality and quick response of Vietnam.
Specifically on May 19th 2014, the Rammasun storm hit Vietnam. Earlier, the Institute of Space Technology under VAST announced via UNESCAP network to propose that member countries provide Vietnam satellite images (priority Radar images without cloud) over areas that had potential to be heavily affected by the storm.
Almost immediately, the institute received satellite images from the member organizations of UNESCAP such as UNOSAT, RADARSAT, ISRO, ROSCOSMOS and GISTDA. After quick analysis, the institute coordinated with the Center for Disaster Management Center under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to give a preliminary assessment of flood levels.
On August 3rd 2014, the earthquake called “Lundian” occurred in Yunnan province, China, causing heavy damage to both life and property. Through notification of UNESCAP, the Institute of Space Technology made a plan on taking six VNREDSat-1 satellite images about the epicenter and sent them to UNESCAP. However, these images were covered by cloud so they could not be used.
On August 15th 2014, as well as being notified by UNESCAP, the institute scheduled to capture and successfully provide two images with clarity and high resolution to India (ISRO) on the historical flood in India and Pakistan.
VNREDSat-1 satellite image on flood areas in Muzaffargarh, Pakistan on August 18th 2014
VNREDSat-1 satellite image on flood areas in Srinagar, India on August 18th 2014
On October 23rd 2014, the Institute of Space Technology captured and provided a VNREDSat-1 satellite image for India on the “HUDHUD” cyclone, which caused mudslides in Visakhapatnam and significant damage to people and property.
VNREDSat-1 satellite images, which had been provided swiftly, contributed to helping countries monitor natural disasters, rescue and recover losses.
VNREDSat-1’s new contributions in international cooperation in forecasting, monitoring, preventing and mitigating natural disasters have been recognized and appreciated by representatives from UNESCAP member countries at the 18th session of the Intergovernmental Consultative Committee on the Regional Space Application Programme for Sustainable Development, held in Bangkok, Thailand on September 26th 2014.
On this occasion, Ms. Shamika Sirimane, Director of Information and Communications Technology and Disaster Risk Reduction Division, UNESCAP sent a letters to extend her sincere thanks to Prof. Dr. Chau Van Minh, President of VAST, for timely provision of the VNREDSat-1 data to countries affected by natural disasters, and appreciate quality of VNREDSat-1 images provided by the Institute of Space Technology.
The initial success opened further cooperation between VAST and UNESCAP as well as other organizations such as Sentinel Asia (JAXA), International Disaster Charter to share satellite image data of VNREDSat-1 and other satellites in the region to prevent and mitigate natural disasters, contributing to the action plan 2015-2017 on the application of space technology and geographical information system in the forecast, prevention and mitigation of natural disasters, and sustainable development in Asia – Pacific chaired by UNESCAP.
Translated by Tuyet Nhung
Link to Vietnamese Version
