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ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 (APP):Pakistan Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), through its Space Application Centre for Response in Emergency and Disasters (SACRED), has extended vital support in the wake of the recent devastating floods in Chenab, Ravi and Sutlej rivers, Punjab due to heavy rains in catchment areas along with the release of excessive water from dams on Ravi, Beas and Sutlej Rivers.
SUPARCO acquired pre- and post- satellite images of the affected areas, enabling authorities to clearly observe the situation.
These images showed submerged settlements, damaged roads, and disrupted communications. Such space-based information is crucial in disaster management as it allows rapid assessment of the situation, identification of vulnerable zones, and prioritization of relief and rehabilitation efforts.
SUPARCO also prepared maps of potentially exposed crops, roads and built-up areas, based on simulated flood extents prepared under NatCat Model project financed by National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF). Previously, SUPARCO provided vital support during the floods in Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Babusar Top (GB) – the worst-hit regions.
Through its dedicated DisasterWatch Portal, SUPARCO continuously monitors natural hazards, supporting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs), Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA) and other stakeholders with timely and reliable space-based satellite information and continued monitoring of the evolving situation along three major rivers and affected flood plains of Punjab.
SUPARCO has implemented the National Catastrophe Modelling (NatCat) Project for the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), which provides probabilistic risk assessment tools for floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, tsunami, landslides and earthquakes.
This flagship initiative helps in disaster preparedness, disaster risk reduction through mitigation, and development of disaster risk financing strategies for Pakistan.
The recent responses highlights the critical importance of space-based information in managing disasters, especially for developing nations where ground access may be limited and timely data is essential for saving lives and resources.
SUPARCO’s continued efforts in providing satellite imagery and risk assessment studies are playing key role in strengthening Pakistan’s disaster response and resilience.