ICEYE Collaborates with Rio Grande do Sul Government for Flood Relief Efforts

In a significant display of technological innovation aiding humanitarian efforts, ICEYE, a leader in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite monitoring, has partnered with the government of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to address the aftermath of severe flooding that occurred in June. This collaboration, underpinned by ICEYE’s advanced satellite capabilities, was crucial in swiftly mapping the affected areas and mobilizing humanitarian aid.

High-Tech Solutions in Crisis Management

ICEYE's contribution involved its cutting-edge Flood Solutions, which provide detailed near-real-time flood observations combined with robust analysis of SAR data and other geospatial sources. This allowed the authorities to accurately identify the depth and extent of the flooding across the affected regions.

The actionable insights garnered from ICEYE's technology enabled the government to promptly activate emergency protocols. This ensured the rapid delivery of assistance through the Volta por Cima program, aimed specifically at the most vulnerable families impacted by the floods. The effectiveness of ICEYE's solutions has demonstrated the transformative capabilities that satellite technology can offer in disaster management and humanitarian relief efforts.

Efficient Aid Distribution

Following the recent disaster, R$4 million has been allocated to support around 2,000 families who suffered due to the storms. Notably, these funds are issued without the requirements for prior registration, which ensured that help reached the needy efficiently. The entire process was accomplished within a week, a feat made possible by the integration of state databases with ICEYE’s precise geospatial intelligence.

Danielle Calazans, the Secretary of Planning, Governance, and Management of Rio Grande do Sul, emphasized the importance of ICEYE data: "The use of this technology was essential in accurately pinpointing the hardest-hit areas, even amidst cloud cover, which is often a challenge during extreme weather events."

This rapid response capability has been strengthened thanks to a technical mission that sent officials from Rio Grande do Sul to Finland, where they explored solutions for managing increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters.

Previous Successful Implementations

ICEYE has previously proven its effectiveness during another major flood event last year in the same state. By deploying its satellite constellation, the company was able to provide precise maps of the affected areas, facilitating emergency response, rescue operations, and reconstruction initiatives. Thanks to ICEYE’s unique ability to capture images in all weather conditions and times, including at night, public authorities, civil defense teams, humanitarian organizations, and private enterprises benefited from high-resolution data. This data not only offered a comprehensive overview of the crisis but also served as a historical record for future disaster planning and prevention efforts.

Ariadna Gutierrez, Senior Manager for Latin America Government Solutions at ICEYE, articulated the company's mission: "We aim to deliver timely and actionable geospatial intelligence that empowers governments and organizations to react swiftly and efficiently during crises. The flood analysis in Rio Grande do Sul was vital for mapping the flooding's full extent, facilitating rapid resource deployment."

About ICEYE

ICEYE operates the world's largest satellite constellation that leverages SAR technology, offering unmatched persistent monitoring capabilities. With offices around the globe, including in Finland, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, the UAE, Greece, and the United States, ICEYE is a trusted partner across numerous sectors, including disaster response, insurance, security, and maritime monitoring. The company's dedication to improving life on Earth resonates through its mission of becoming the leading source of truth in Earth Observation.

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