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Cloudburst at Lhonak Lake, North Sikkim

A cloud burst over Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim resulted in a flash flood in the Teesta River in Lachen Valley on 4 October 2023. At least 18 people died and 102 went missing after the cloudburst in the tiny hilly state. The flood in Sikkim that started around 1.30 am was made worse by the release of water from Chungthang dam.

Studies show that the glacier receded about 2 kilometres in 46 years from 1962 to 2008. It further retreated by about 400 metres from 2008 to 2019. The Teesta basin in Sikkim Himalaya hosts numerous glacial lakes in the high altitude glacierised region, including one of the largest and the fastest-growing South Lhonak Lake.

Respond to disasters faster with on-demand satellite imagery. Rapid response matters in disaster management. Satellite imagery and analytics provided by Blacksky evolved to meet those challenges in three ways:

• Providing imagery quickly
• Capturing imagery of hard-to-reach places
• Monitoring recovery changes

In the face of traditional challenges in disaster response with satellite imagery, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of BlackSky. This pioneering solution is reshaping the way we address disasters. BlackSky is at the forefront of providing on-demand satellite imagery, offering a transformative response to the limitations that have hampered traditional disaster management. This innovative platform is poised to redefine how governments, organizations, and first responders react to crises.

Features

Real-Time Monitoring: One of the paramount advantages of BlackSky is its ability to provide real-time or near-real-time access to satellite imagery. When disaster strikes, timely information is non-negotiable. BlackSky’s platform enables users to request and receive high-resolution images within hours of a disaster, ensuring that critical data is readily available for decision-making.

Global Coverage: BlackSky’s constellation of small satellites provides comprehensive global coverage, addressing the issue of limited access in remote or underserved areas. Whether a disaster occurs in a bustling urban center or a remote village, BlackSky’s satellites can capture the necessary imagery, leveling the playing field and extending the benefits of on-demand satellite data to regions that need it most.

High-Resolution Imagery: The platform’s high-resolution imagery allows responders to zoom in on specific details, which is crucial for assessing damage, identifying survivors, and evaluating the condition of vital infrastructure. BlackSky’s commitment to data accuracy and precision ensures that responders have the tools for effective disaster management.

Cost-Effective Solutions: BlackSky offers cost-effective access to satellite imagery. By democratizing the availability of on-demand data, the platform makes it accessible to a wide range of users, from governmental bodies to smaller NGOs. This cost-efficiency minimizes financial constraints and empowers organizations to direct their resources where they matter most – towards saving lives and alleviating suffering.

Multi-Sensor Integration: BlackSky has multiple sensors, including optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). This multi-sensor approach allows for more comprehensive disaster assessments. While optical imagery provides detailed visual data, SAR can penetrate through adverse weather conditions, smoke, and darkness, ensuring that responders can access vital information during the most challenging disaster scenarios.

User-Friendly Interface: BlackSky’s user-friendly platform ensures that even those without specialized training can access and interpret satellite imagery. This simplicity in data retrieval and analysis enhances the adaptability of the technology, making it accessible to a wider range of users, including local communities and grassroots responders.

Frequent revisits: Since most of the satellites have been launched in the mid-inclination orbit (MIO) to provide high revisit rate cadence, responsive last-minute tasking, and timely collect-to-data-delivery latency time frames in the mid-latitudes between 53.5° N and 53.5° S.

How Modern Satellites Help Disaster Teams Respond Faster And Monitor Recovery

By providing real-time or near-real-time access to high-resolution satellite imagery, BlackSky empowers responders and decision-makers with the timely information they require. This capability enables the rapid assessment of disaster-affected areas, aiding in search and rescue efforts, resource allocation, and the prevention of secondary hazards. With its global satellite coverage and multisensory integration, including synthetic aperture radar (SAR), BlackSky can capture crucial data even in adverse weather onditions or at night. This technology supports quickly disseminating accurate information to affected populations, reducing panic and confusion while facilitating international aid coordination. Low-latency  satellite imagery from BlackSky empowers emergency and first responders by providing them with the information they need to make critical decisions.

This case study was published in AGI Indias Oct-Dec 2023 edition Newsletter on Disaster Management. Click here to view the complete newsletter.