hen natural or man-made disasters strike, quick and efficient response efforts are crucial to minimizing damage and saving lives. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS), part of the European Union's Copernicus program, plays a vital role in this process by providing On-Demand Mapping services. Leveraging satellite imagery and other geospatial data, CEMS supports disaster response and recovery operations around the globe.
CEMS delivers geospatial information rapidly—often within hours or days after an event is reported—allowing authorities to assess the scope and impact of disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes, fires, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and humanitarian crises. The service provides detailed maps that identify affected areas and assess the extent of the damage. This data is essential for coordinating response efforts, from sending rescue teams to planning the allocation of resources like food, water, and medical aid.
By offering an accurate and up-to-date picture of the disaster zone, CEMS helps governments and relief organizations make informed decisions, improving the effectiveness of their response and recovery efforts. Whether it's tracking floodwaters, evaluating the damage from a wildfire, or assessing the effects of an earthquake, satellite data provides a clear, bird's-eye view that is difficult to obtain through ground-based means alone.
Between September 1 and October 8, 2024, the CEMS On-Demand Mapping service was activated 17 times across Europe to support emergency response activities. The majority of these activations—12 out of 17—were for flood events. Additionally, there was one activation for a landslide and four for wildfires.
Here are some key examples of CEMS activations during this period:
The Copernicus program’s open data policy is key to its global impact. By making satellite data freely available, Copernicus supports not only European emergency management but also efforts worldwide. Whether responding to a humanitarian crisis or a natural disaster, governments and organizations around the globe can access this data to aid in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Copernicus Sentinel satellites provide real-time imagery that is invaluable in the face of rapidly changing conditions during a disaster. By offering high-resolution images, the system enables authorities to respond with precision, ultimately saving lives and reducing economic losses.
The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) is a powerful tool in the fight against natural and man-made disasters. By leveraging satellite data to deliver fast, accurate, and detailed mapping, it supports effective disaster response efforts across the globe. As the frequency of extreme weather events and other emergencies continues to rise due to climate change, services like CEMS will be increasingly essential for building resilience and minimizing the impact of these events on communities.
Through timely and accurate information, Copernicus is not only helping authorities in Europe but also contributing to global disaster management efforts, ensuring that communities can recover more quickly and efficiently from the devastating impacts of emergencies.
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