** March 2024 News from Sentinel Asia Project Office **- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *Topics:
1. [News] Emergency Observation of Disasters (as of 28 March)
2. [Interview] Ms. Litea Biukoto and Mr. Kaliopate Tavola, The Pacific Community (SPC)
3. [Interview] Mr. Kabir Uddin, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development(ICIMOD)
4. How to send an Emergency Observation Request
5. Using Sentinel Asia Operation System, OPTEMIS- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *1. [News] Emergency Observation of Disasters (as of 28 March)(1) Flood in Central Java Island, Indonesia, on 15 March, 2024 (GLIDE Number FL-2024-000026IDN)
Flooding triggered by high-intensity rain struck central Java, Indonesia, on 14 March, causing
confusion and damage.
According to ReliefWeb, as of 21 March, the flood displaced 542 people, affecting the same
number of households in Pekalongan City, central Java.
The Central Java Province regional disaster management agency continues to coordinate with
its counterpart in Pekalongan City regarding flood developments.
https://reliefweb.int/report/indonesia/indonesia-flooding-pekalongan-city-central-java-14-mar2024
The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) made an Emergency Observation
Request (EOR) to Sentinel Asia on 20 March.
Among DPNs, JAXA, TASA, ISRO, and CRISP provided their data. Among DANs, JAXA,
AIT, EOS, BRIN, and MBRSC provided their VAPs.
Information on the latest response by Sentinel Asia is available at the link below.
https://sentinel-asia.org/EO/2024/article20240315ID.html

Value-Added Product by AITValue-Added Product by EOS

Value-Added Product by BRIN

Value-Added Product by MBRSC

Post-disaster satellite image (ALOS-2) provided by JAXA

Post-disaster satellite image (FORMOSAT-5) provided by TASAPost-disaster satellite image (Resourcesat-2) provided by ISRO

Post-disaster satellite image (TELEOS-1) provided by CRISP* - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- *2. [Interview] Ms. Litea Biukoto and Mr. Kaliopate Tavola, The Pacific Community (SPC)
The Pacific Community (SPC) is a longtime member of Sentinel Asia, originally having joined asSouth Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC), which is now the Geoscience, Energy andMaritime Division (GEM) of SPC. SPC has 27 member countries and territories in the Pacific region.
They support their members in the event of disasters as Sentinel Asia’s Joint Project Team (JPT)
member as well as its Data Analysis Node (DAN), including sending Emergency Observation
Requests (EORs).
The Sentinel Asia Secretariat interviewed Ms. Litea Biukoto and Mr. Kaliopate Tavola to introducetheir contribution to the area and to Sentinel Asia.

Ms. Litea Biukoto

Mr. Kaliopate Tavola

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
SPC has participated in Sentinel Asia since the very beginning. Can you introduce your organization
and activities for our readers?
SPC
SPC is the principal scientific and technical organization in the Pacific region, proudly supporting
development since 1947. We are an international development organization owned and governed
by our 27 country and territory members, 5 of them metropolitan countries. SPC works across key
sectors through its technical divisions – Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability;
Educational Quality and Assessment; Fisheries, Aquaculture & Marine Ecosystems; Geoscience,
Energy and Maritime; Human Rights and Social Development; Land Resources; Public Health; andStatistics for Development.
SPC, through its Geoscience, Energy and Maritime, coordinates regional disaster risk management
activities in the Pacific: https://gem.spc.int/key-work/DCRP.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Could you also introduce the framework whereby SPC shares information on disasters with the
Pacific countries and your cooperation with these countries in emergency response, including in thecase of Sentinel Asia’s Emergency Observation Requests (EORs)?
SPC
SPC convenes the annual Regional Disaster Managers Meeting to facilitate the coordination ofdisaster risk management activities in the Pacific, including providing policy guidance, information
sharing, and identifying future direction for resourcing.
Areas where we work with the National Disaster Management Offices and other government

agencies:•••

Early warning and preparedness
Recovery planning, particularly with Post-Disaster Needs Assessments
Risk assessments – exposure mapping. Post-disaster technical assessments, information
management.

•

Training and capacity development – design and delivery of accredited and non-accredited
training, workshops. Supporting peer-to-peer exchanges, conducting exercises and drills.

•

Resource mobilization

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Regarding the past Emergency Observation Requests (EORs) from SPC and SOPAC, could you tellus the memorable cases and how the data from Sentinel Asia was used in those cases?
SPC
Tropical Cyclone Harold in April 2020. The cyclone passed through Fiji and Vanuatu during a time
when COVID-19 travel restrictions were in place. As with other activations in the Pacific, theimages captured and the information products delivered were the first impressions of areas affected
and the extent of impact. While the government through the National Disaster Management Office
was planning its efforts, we were able to have initial discussions with UNDP (United Nations
Development Program) and the Department of Strategic Policy, Planning and Aid Coordination on
the need for a PDNA (Post-Disaster Needs Assessment).

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
In Pacific countries, the main targets of Earth observation are floods caused by storms, and volcanic
eruptions, we suppose, along with your EORs. Could you tell us what satellite data and value-addedproducts are useful for your activities?
SPC
We would like to have more high-resolution satellite data for building footprint extraction to inform
some of the work we do around exposure mapping and asset modelling.
The challenge with using visible imagery immediately after weather-related events is cloud cover.
Satellite imagery acquired sometime after an event is also useful as the effect ‘footprint’ is stillquite visible.
The geographic footprint of a disaster is useful particularly when trying to gauge the extent of
impact. In the case of tropical cyclones, though the response effort is often prioritized near the track,areas that are also affected by rain and flooding are potentially farther away. Ensuring that theseareas are adequately serviced can be assisted with the provision of maps showing areas affected.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Does anything stand out as memorable in your experience with Sentinel Asia activities?
SPC
The Secretariat has reached out to check if an activation is needed when requests are notforthcoming. I’ve also found the Secretariat to be very responsive when requests are submitted.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
What do you think of the merits of Sentinel Asia, for example, image processing by DAN in a timely
manner?

SPC
The timely image processing is valuable. Requests can be made with relative ease.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
At JPTM 2023 held in this September, you introduced your activities including the Digital Earth
Pacific project and capacity building program. Do you have any programs that can be shared with
Sentinel Asia members?
SPC
The Digital Earth Pacific (DEP) aims to simplify the utilization and accessibility of decades’ worthof satellite data, enabling decision-makers throughout the Pacific region. This digital infrastructure
ensures that every Pacific nation has the necessary access to tools, technologies, and capabilities
for consistent monitoring and tracking of challenges related to climate change, food insecurity, ordisaster risk. It provides decision-ready products that are regularly updated with each satellite
overpass.
The platform can be accessed by Sentinel Asia Members https://digitalearthpacific.org/

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Do you have any expectations of Sentinel Asia, and at the same time, what SPC can contribute to
Sentinel Asia?
SPC
SPC is providing a lot more data online, which may be useful to DANs. This data includes
population statistics and locations of communities.
Sentinel Asia provides a valuable service to the Pacific region. Sharing applications of satellite data

used by other small islands or coastal communities would be useful.

* - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - * - *3.[Interview] Mr. Kabir Uddin, International Center for Integrated Mountain Development(ICIMOD)The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) cooperates and supports
its eight member countries in Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, including disaster response andmany other aspects. They also contributed to Sentinel Asia for a long time.
Sentinel Asia secretariat interviewed Mr. Kabir Uddin, GIS and Remote Sensing Specialist at
ICIMOD to introduce their disaster management activities and contribution to Sentinel Asia.

Mr. Kabir Uddin

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
We appreciate your continued participation in Sentinel Asia and your contribution as a Data Analysis Node (DAN)
member. Could you introduce your organization and how you decided to join Sentinel Asia?

Mr. Kabir Uddin
The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) serves as anintergovernmental knowledge and learning hub, dedicated to the well-being of the people residingin the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region. Headquartered in Kathmandu, Nepal, ICIMOD
operates across eight regional member countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China,
India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Given the frequent occurrence of disasters such as
flooding, earthquakes, and landslides across this vast area, access to remote sensing informationis crucial for effective ground assessment and response efforts.

Recognizing the critical role of timely data in disaster management, ICIMOD decided tocollaborate with Sentinel Asia, and as a member of the Data Analysis Node (DAN), ICIMOD
contributes to space-based disaster management initiatives in the Himalayan region. Sentinel Asia
offers rapid observation for major disasters like floods and forest fires, aiding in timely response
and mitigation efforts. Notable instances include the response to the Koshi flooding in Nepal in2008, the flooding in Bhutan in July 2010, and the Pakistan floods in the same year.
In furtherance of our commitment to disaster preparedness, ICIMOD established a receiving
station for JAXA WINDS (Wide-band Interworking Engineering Test and Demonstration
Satellites) at our Kathmandu headquarters in October 2010. WINDS, a high-speed Internet
satellite, played a pivotal role in ensuring uninterrupted communication during emergencies andenhancing connectivity in remote areas. Leveraging WINDS, ICIMOD gained swift access tosatellite imagery from Sentinel Asia data providers, facilitating informed decision-making duringcrises.
While ICIMOD is widely recognized for its expertise in geographic information systems (GIS)
and remote sensing, it's important to note that our scope extends beyond disaster management.
Nonetheless, disaster preparedness remains a cornerstone of our training initiatives,
encompassing areas such as flood mapping and earthquake damage assessment. Through ourcomprehensive training programs, we empower stakeholders across the region to harness
geospatial technologies for effective disaster response and resilience-building endeavors.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
As you said, ICIMOD responds to the disasters in the HKH mountain area over eight countries. Could
you introduce your relations with these countries and how you cooperate with them, including in thecase of Sentinel Asia activations?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
ICIMOD maintains strong partnerships with the governments and relevant agencies of the eightregional member countries, fostering collaboration in disaster response and resilience-building
efforts. One illustrative example is our response to the devastating 2015 Nepal earthquake. During
this crisis, ICIMOD and the Nepal government sought support from countries like Japan, drawing
upon their extensive experience in earthquake management. In response, ICIMOD mobilized
approximately 30 volunteers alongside our professionals. Temporary tents were erected toaccommodate these volunteers, facilitating their active involvement in addressing the needs arisingfrom the disaster.
Similarly, in 2016, when reports of flooding emerged, ICIMOD promptly engaged in providing
support by generating inundation maps to aid in response efforts. The assistance rendered by
Sentinel Asia during this event garnered significant media coverage, highlighting theeffectiveness of satellite-based observations in disaster management. (Refer to: Mapping floods in
Bangladesh caused by Cyclone Amphan to support humanitarian responsehttps://www.icimod.org/article/mapping-floods-in-bangladesh-caused-by-cyclone-amphan-tosupport-humanitarian-response/).
ICIMOD's collaborations extend beyond disaster response to encompass various sectors critical forthe region's sustainable development. For instance, we closely collaborate with institutions such as
the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department, theBangladesh Engineering Department, and the Bangladesh Remote Sensing Organization throughformal memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Additionally, we engage in informal partnerships
with numerous organizations, driven by a shared commitment to addressing regional challenges.
While ICIMOD is often recognized for its expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) andremote sensing, our engagements transcend these domains. While we provide extensive training in
GIS and remote sensing, disaster management remains a primary focus area. Through capacitybuilding initiatives, we empower stakeholders across the region to leverage geospatial technologies
effectively, enhancing their preparedness and response capabilities in the face of disasters.
ICIMOD operates on the principle that partnerships, formal or informal, should be driven by theimperative to address pressing needs. Thus, whether through established collaborations or informal
engagements, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting the region's disaster mitigation
efforts to the best of our abilities.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
About your past 9 Emergency Observation Requests (EORs) to Sentinel Asia, could you tell us how
Sentinel Asia observations were used for the disasters?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
Certainly. One notable example of the invaluable role played by Sentinel Asia observations
occurred during the devastating floods in India in 2016. Despite India's advanced space
infrastructure, the urgency of the situation prompted the disaster management authorities torequest our assistance in generating flood inundation maps immediately following the disaster.
This instance underscores the critical importance of timely and accurate information in disaster
response efforts. The flood inundation map produced by ICIMOD in collaboration with Sentinel
Asia provided vital insights into the extent and severity of the flooding, enabling authorities toprioritize and coordinate response activities effectively (refer to: India's Most Flood-prone State
Aided by New Satellite Mapping https://www.voanews.com/a/indias-most-flood-prone-stateaided-new-satellite-mapping/3530550.html). Such examples serve as compelling evidence of
ICIMOD's contributions to disaster mitigation efforts in the region.
Through our engagement with Sentinel Asia, ICIMOD has leveraged satellite observations to
support various emergency response initiatives across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region. Theseobservations have been instrumental in facilitating rapid assessments, informing decision-making,and enhancing the overall effectiveness of disaster response efforts.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Among your EORs, were there any cases in which Sentinel Asia was used effectively, and why?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
Indeed, Sentinel Asia has proven to be highly effective, particularly in disaster-prone areas like theexpansive Hindu Kush region. The vast geographical coverage of this area necessitates satellite
imagery for comprehensive disaster management. Given the time-sensitive nature of disaster
response, relying on commercial providers for imagery procurement, while feasible financially, isimpractical due to the delays involved. Sentinel Asia addresses this challenge by consolidating
various satellite data and products onto a single platform, thereby streamlining access for public
and societal benefit. Beyond merely providing data, Sentinel Asia goes a step further by sharing
products, especially in instances where organizations lack the capacity for timely data processing
and analysis.
One of the notable applications of Sentinel Asia is its effectiveness in flood management.
Flooding events often affect large areas, making timely and accurate detection of inundated areas
crucial for effective response efforts. Inundation maps generated through Sentinel Asia not only
delineate the extent of the flooded areas but also guide authorities in identifying safe locations for
temporary shelters (Example: Potential flood hazard zonation and flood shelter suitability
mapping for disaster risk mitigation in Bangladesh using geospatial technology
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590061721000454). Additionally, flood
mapping supports urban planners in developing hazard maps and optimizing land use planning to
mitigate future risks.
In summary, Sentinel Asia's comprehensive platform, coupled with its provision of timely products
and support, makes it an indispensable tool for disaster management in the Hindu Kush region andbeyond.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Do you have any memorable EORs in which you processed the observation data as DAN?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
One particularly memorable experience for me was during an Emergency Observation Request(EOR) when our internet connectivity was extremely slow. Downloading just one ALOS satellite
scene took us four to five hours, significantly delaying our response efforts. However, in contrast
with those challenges, today, accessing ALOS-2 data takes only a couple of minutes, thanks toadvancements in technology and infrastructure. Moreover, the availability of tools like the SNAP
toolbox has streamlined data preprocessing, making it much more efficient and accessible. Having
experienced the frustrations of slow internet and limited resources firsthand, I deeply appreciate
the significance of timely information in disaster response.
Reflecting on these experiences, it's evident that our capacity and capabilities have significantlyimproved over time. This evolution has translated into more reliable and efficient disaster response
efforts. As someone from a disaster-prone region, I understand the vital importance of leveraging
technology to enhance our resilience and effectiveness in addressing crises.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Do you have any other memorable moments with your Sentinel Asia activities?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
One particularly memorable experience for me was during Sentinel Asia’s Joint Project Team
Meeting (JPTM) in Bangkok. The event stands out because it provided me with a valuable platform
to share my expertise in flood mapping with fellow participants. Drawing from my extensive
experience in this field, I had the opportunity to contribute to discussions and offer support to othermembers in their flood and inundation mapping endeavors. As a Data Analysis Node (DAN)
member, I realized the importance of knowledge dissemination during such gatherings. It was
gratifying to see how sharing our experiences and insights could empower others and enhance thecollective capabilities of the Sentinel Asia community.
Participating in events like the JPTM reaffirms the significance of collaborative efforts in disastermanagement. By pooling our expertise and resources, we can strengthen our resilience andeffectiveness in addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
What is the benefit of Sentinel Asia for you, for example, the timely provision of data, andeffectiveness in case of disasters?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
The benefits of Sentinel Asia are manifold, particularly in terms of the timely provision of critical
data and its effectiveness in disaster response. One of the key advantages of Sentinel Asia is its
ability to deliver data promptly during disasters, ensuring that decision-makers have access to
crucial information when it matters most. Moreover, the Sentinel Asia platform serves as a valuable
centralized repository, aggregating emergency observation data from various space agencies. This
consolidation eliminates the need for redundant efforts in sourcing data from multiple sources,
streamlining the response process significantly.
Beyond providing raw observation data, Sentinel Asia often shares derived products, which isparticularly beneficial for countries with limited resources and capacity for data processing. These
products enable governments and organizations to leverage actionable insights derived fromsatellite observations, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions and effectively manage
disaster situations.
In summary, Sentinel Asia's timely data provision, comprehensive platform, and sharing of derived

products play a pivotal role in bolstering disaster response efforts. By facilitating quick and efficient
access to vital information, Sentinel Asia contributes significantly to enhancing the resilience andeffectiveness of disaster management initiatives.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
Recently, Sentinel Asia has been considered to contributing to the challenges to solve socio-economic
issues, which is mentioned in Nagoya Vision of Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum(APRSAF)https://www.aprsaf.org/annual_meetings/aprsaf26/outcome_documents.php
Do you have any ideas on how Sentinel Asia can contribute more to solve these socio-economic
issues in the Asian region, including the Hindu Kush Himalaya mountain?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
With the increasing number of satellites and advancements in data analysis techniques, satellite
information has emerged as a valuable resource for addressing various socio-economic challenges
beyond just disasters. Sentinel Asia, with its extensive satellite imagery and improved datareliability, has the potential to play a significant role in addressing these issues across the Asian
region, including the Hindu Kush Himalaya Mountain area.
One avenue for enhancing Sentinel Asia's contributions to socio-economic issues involves closer
collaboration with governmental bodies such as the Bureau of Statistics or statistical departments.
These entities handle a wide range of reports and data related to socio-economic indicators,
including those impacted by disasters. By partnering with such agencies, Sentinel Asia can leverage
its satellite information to enhance the accuracy and timeliness of socio-economic analyses andreports. This collaboration could facilitate better-informed policymaking and resource allocation
decisions, ultimately contributing to more effective socio-economic development strategies.
In summary, by leveraging its satellite capabilities and fostering collaboration with key
stakeholders, Sentinel Asia has the potential to make significant contributions to addressing socioeconomic challenges in the Asian region, including the unique socio-economic dynamics of the
Hindu Kush Himalaya Mountain area. Continued dialogue, partnership-building, and innovation
will be essential in maximizing Sentinel Asia's impact in this regard.

Sentinel Asia Secretariat
What do you expect in Sentinel Asia, and on the contrary, how can you contribute to Sentinel Asia?
Mr. Kabir Uddin
Looking ahead, I see two key areas for improvement within Sentinel Asia. Firstly, there's a needfor increased investment and effort in automating various processes involved in extracting
information from satellite imagery. Automation can significantly enhance the efficiency andaccuracy of data processing, enabling faster response times and more comprehensive analysis
during disasters.
Secondly, building capacity among Data Analysis Node (DAN) members is crucial for improving
both the quality and quantity of contributions to Sentinel Asia. I advocate for longer and moreconsistent training programs, to ensure the effective dissemination of new techniques andtechnologies. By providing DAN members with continuous learning opportunities, Sentinel Asia
can empower them to leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies in their disaster response
efforts.

- * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *4. How to send an Emergency Observation Request
JPT member organizations are entitled to send an Emergency Observation Request (EOR) for
disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. Please refer to https://sentinel-asia.org/elearning/Emergency_Observation_Request.html
EOR Order Desk:
Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC)
HP: http://www.adrc.asia/
E-mail: sarequest@adrc.asia
FAX: +81-78-262-5546,
TEL: +81-78-262-5540- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *- * - * - * - * - * - *5. Using Sentinel Asia Operation System, OPTEMIS
Sentinel Asia launched a new operation system, OPTEMIS. Please refer to the website on how tocreate an account for OPTEMIS.
https://sentinel-asia.org/e-learning/Emergency_Observation_Request.html+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+===+=
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