Five satellites of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are playing an important role in saving lives of people stranded in the flooded affected pockets of Kerala, the Times of India has said in its report.

Earth observation satellites Oceansat-2, Resourcesat-2, Cartosat 2 and 2A and INSAT 3DR are sending real-time images of the flood-affected region to stations on the ground. These real-time images are helping in the identification of flood-affected pockets and assessment of the situation.

“We are using the data from these satellites to provide alerts on flooding, areas of inundation during and after rain, and weather forecasts,” the Times of India quoted an ISRO scientist in the report as saying.

Under the disaster management support program of the organisation, data sent by these satellites is processed at the Hyderabad-based Decision Support Centre, which is part of the National Remote Sensing Centre. Inundation maps are prepared with flooded and non-flooded areas marked in different colours. The derived information and pictures are disseminated to the concerned agencies.

Satellite INSAT-3DR is an advanced meteorological satellite equipped with an imaging system and an atmospheric sounder. It sends data on various parameters like temperature and humidity for weather forecasts.

Satellites Cartosat and Resourcesat send high-resolution images captured by onboard cameras. Cartosat 2 and 2A, the daily’s report says, can be steered along and across the track to 45 degrees for frequent imaging of a specific area.

The information derived from the data sent by these satellites helps in releasing advance warning about rain and flood. It also the agencies working on the ground by providing them with a picture of the situation.

Decision Support Centre

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