"Sky Gazing for Aid": Pakistan's Space Organization Embraces Satellites during Catastrophic Floods

Pakistan's Space Agency Aids Flood Relief Efforts

Pakistan's national space agency, the Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission of Pakistan (SUPARCO), is playing a crucial role in guiding rescue and relief operations during the ongoing monsoon floods. Established in 2014, SUPARCO's Space Application Center for Response in Emergency and Disasters (SACRED) is at the forefront of disaster management planning across the country.

According to Aisha Rabbia, General Manager Satellite Planning at SUPARCO, the agency constantly monitors river shifts, dam heights, and changing water levels through its own satellites and international collaboration. This real-time imagery is proving invaluable for speeding up rescue operations.

Rabbia noted that space-based technology shortens response time, with damage assessment and recovery planning being done in hours instead of days. Rapid response is crucial, as Jahanzeb Khan, General Manager Image Processing at SUPARCO, stated that satellite images of flood-hit areas are sent within an hour.

Dr. Muhammad Farooq, Director of SACRED, emphasised the need to shift from a reactive to a proactive approach. To this end, SUPARCO has developed a Disaster Risk Assessment initiative for the National Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF), known as the Natural Catastrophic Modeling Project, or simply the NatCat Project.

The flood emergency has made Punjab, one of Pakistan's most populous regions, one of the worst-hit areas. With 1.45 million people affected, 1,769 villages inundated, and more than 429,000 people evacuated this week, SUPARCO's aid is more vital than ever.

SUPARCO now has four remote sensing satellites of its own that provide real-time data. Comparing pre-disaster images with fresh ones provides critical insights, helping authorities act faster on the ground. Rabbia mentioned that SUPARCO captures imagery both day and night, without limitation, enabling immediate damage assessment and recovery planning.

In addition, SUPARCO operates its own independent link system, enabling authorities to draw up timely evacuation plans even if conventional communication networks fail. Two more Earth Observation (EO) satellites are due to be launched by the end of this year, strengthening SUPARCO's ability to provide satellite data for national institutions, including disaster management agencies.

Through international collaboration, SUPARCO receives additional satellite recordings. This collaboration is essential in providing comprehensive coverage of affected areas and ensuring that no region is left unmonitored during the crisis.

Farooq explained that this initiative helps disaster managers identify vulnerable or high-risk areas to take preventive measures and reduce potential damage through better planning. SUPARCO's support extends beyond the rescue phase, with Rabbia stating that the agency also assists post-disaster recovery by helping assess crop losses, guiding urban planning in affected areas, and aiding rehabilitation efforts through satellite analysis.

As the floodwaters recede, the work of SUPARCO and its SACRED centre will continue to be vital in the recovery and rebuilding process. Their efforts demonstrate the potential of space technology in disaster response and management, providing a beacon of hope in challenging times.

"Sky Gazing for Aid": Pakistan's Space Organization Embraces Satellites during Catastrophic Floods