NASA Damage Maps Critical to Nepal Earthquake Response

In the wake of the April 25th 7.8 magnitude earthquake that devastated the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding rural areas in Nepal, help and aid have continued to pour in from around the world. The goal is to provide Nepal with nearly half a billion dollars in humanitarian and life-saving aid as it struggles with this unprecedented disaster.

The difficult recovery effort so far has been exacerbated by aftershocks and bad weather in the area.

Using New Technology in Coordinated Disaster Relief Effort

While traditional aid has been strong, new technological aid is being deployed. NASA ground imaging technology such as reconnaissance satellite images, open source information and GPS data are helping Nepalese authorities and first responders map damaged areas and better understand how best to deploy resources.

The following deformation map shows surface displacements in the Kathmandu area.

Nepal Earthquake (Image Courtesy www.nasa.gov)

Portable Ground Based Imaging Technology

In addition to the above technologies that are helping to identify damaged buildings, houses and roads, NASA is providing data to ground-based imaging devices carried by first responders who are using them to more quickly navigate through devastated areas.

Scientists at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory have teamed with the Italian Space Agency to generate satellite images of the most devastated areas. Radar and optical data from a number of international agencies is being compiled and used to create the most accurate picture of what’s happening on the ground. Included among these are vulnerability maps that identify dangerous zones so that rescuers can avoid them or wait for experts and resources to arrive.