International satellites supporting disaster management
The International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" is an international effort to put space technology at the service of rescue and emergency responders in the event of major disasters. With 17 Charter members and 270 contributing satellites from around the world, the Charter allows for resources and expertise to be organized for a quick response to catastrophic events. Member space agencies cooperate on a voluntary basis, with no exchange of funds, and each agency has devoted resources to support the Charter. Operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and at no cost to the user, the Charter mobilizes international partners, helping alleviate the effects of disasters on human life and property.
Did you know?
- Initiated in by the European Space Agency (ESA) and France's space agency, the Centre national d'études spatiales (CNES), the Charter was signed by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in , making Canada a founding member.
- The Charter came into effect on . Its activations have become more frequent over time, not only due to the rise in natural disasters but also because of its increasing recognition and visibility.
This visual provides an overview of the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters." (Credit: CSA)
When the Charter is activated, its members make satellite images of devastated regions available to support relief efforts. RADARSAT Constellation Mission (RCM) imagery regularly provides support to rescue teams on the ground. Armed quickly with accurate information, response teams are better equipped to save lives and limit damage to property, infrastructure and the environment.
Hurricane Fiona in Canada
Hurricane Fiona was a large, powerful, and destructive Category 4 hurricane which was the costliest and most intense cyclone to hit Canada on record.
The storm made landfall in Canada as a post-tropical cyclone on , and continued moving north in the following days, causing damage across parts of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Quebec. Many homes and businesses lost power after strong winds brought down power lines. Trees were uprooted, and numerous roads became blocked. Heavy rainfall from the storm led to widespread flooding in many areas. In coastal regions, waves washed away entire houses. Before reaching Canada, the storm also impacted the Dominican Republic and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Public Safety Canada, the Authorized User of the Charter for Canada, activated the Charter on .
RCM: Canada's global contribution
Canadian satellite data has been utilized in numerous charter activations. For example, in late , Somalia experienced severe flooding during its three-month rainy season, exacerbated by El Niño, a natural climate event causing big weather changes like heavy rain, droughts and heatwaves, and the Indian Ocean Dipole, another climate phenomenon that affects weather patterns across the surrounding regions. The Charter was activated to assist local authorities, with satellite data analysis developed by the United Nations. RCM data was used as part of the Charter activation to support disaster response operations.
Learn why satellites and satellite-based systems are indispensable tools to keep us safe.