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Sri Lanka Under Water: See the Flooding from Space

📖 3 min read 📊 beginner 🏷️ ESA

In Brief

Heavy monsoon rains have caused severe flooding, landslides, and rockfalls in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka. Satellite images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 show the extent of the damage before and after the storms.

Sri Lanka Under Water: See the Flooding from Space

The Full Story

Sri Lanka is facing a significant challenge as heavy monsoon rains have triggered widespread flooding in the Puttalam district. The intense rainfall has led to landslides and rockfalls, disrupting communities and causing significant damage. The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite, a European Space Agency (ESA) mission, captured images of the region, providing a stark visual representation of the disaster's impact. These images, taken one month apart, highlight the drastic changes in the landscape due to the flooding.

Key Takeaways

  • 1 Heavy monsoon rains caused flooding in Sri Lanka.
  • 2 Satellite images reveal the extent of the flooding.
  • 3 The data is used to understand and respond to the disaster.
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💡 Think of it this way:

Imagine looking at your town from a plane. Now imagine that plane can see areas that are normally hidden by clouds and map exactly where the water is. That's what these satellites are doing for Sri Lanka.

How We Know This

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite uses optical sensors to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface. By comparing images taken before and after the flooding, scientists can map the extent of the affected areas. It's like taking a photo of your backyard, then taking another after a big rainstorm to see where the puddles are.

What This Means

The satellite data provides valuable information for disaster response teams, enabling them to assess the damage, allocate resources effectively, and coordinate relief efforts. Furthermore, these observations contribute to a better understanding of flood patterns and risks, supporting long-term planning and mitigation strategies to protect vulnerable communities.

Why It Matters

Understanding the scale and impact of natural disasters like this helps us improve disaster response and prepare for future events. Satellite data provides crucial information for relief efforts and long-term planning.

Related Topics

#Sri Lanka #Flooding #Satellite Imagery #Natural Disaster #Copernicus