Insights from EOTEC DevNet’s July Flood Working Group Meetings

Thank you to all the speakers and participants who joined us for the EOTEC DevNet Flood Working Group meetings held on July 17 and 18. The meetings focused on the latest advancements in flood management technologies and the practical applications of Earth Observation (EO) tools. Here are some key takeaways from the sessions:

Spotlight Presentations:

Africa Region:

• Presenters: Mr. Cletus Musa and Mr. Sultan Kamal Abdulazeez
• Topics: Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency’s 2024 Annual Flood Outlook; Flood Mapping and Damage Assessment using Sentinel-1 SAR Data in Google Earth Engine.
• Key Discussion Points: The use of EO data by the hydrological agency, mobile app development, and the implementation of UN-SPIDER recommended practices.
• Recording

Americas Region:

• Presenter: Dr. Paul Block
• Topic: Early action in flood warning with a focus on Peru.
• Key Discussion Points: Integration of EO products for disaster response and collaboration with international, national, and local authorities, as well as NGOs active in the region.
• Recording

Asia-Oceania Region:

• Presenter: Mr. Takeshi Shiraishi
• Topic: Sentinel Asia and International Disasters Charter: Disaster Management using Space Technologies.
• Key Discussion Points: Data Analysis Node Service membership and requirements, and the role of Sentinel Asia in disaster response.
• Recording

Europe Region:

• Presenter: Prof. Dr. Albrecht Weerts
• Topic: Use of Remote Sensing products in operational flood forecasting and water management.
• Key Discussion Points: Delft-FEWS system: data integration, user education; better communication strategies for early warnings, implementing new technologies, and ensuring the sustainability of capacity-building interventions.
• Recording

Flood Tools Tracker 2.0

We were excited to announce the updated version of the Flood Tools Tracker. Please explore the available resources, add new tools, and share the tracker with your colleagues. We are seeking beta testers to provide feedback. If interested, please contact Secretariat@eotecdev.net. Check out the updated Global Flood Tools Tracker here: https://eotec-dev.ceos.org.

Global Partner Updates:

• Share your drought and water management resources through this  WMO mapping survey.
• Upcoming GEO Regional Meetings:
  • AfriGEO Symposium: 12-15 August, Nairobi
  • AmeriGEO Week 2024: 26-30 August, Quito, Ecuador
  • AOGEO Symposium: 2-5 September, Tokyo, Japan
  • EuroGEO Workshop: 8-10 October, Krakow, Poland

Secretariat Updates:

• Image of the Week: Contribute to our homepage feature by sharing your satellite imagery, visualizations, graphics, and other materials. Upload your images and background content using this form. For assistance, contact Secretariat@eotecdev.net.
• EOTEC DevNet Drought Engagement: We are partnering with global institutions like the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP). Support our efforts by reviewing and updating our drought tools matrix, available here. Check out the recording of our June 18 webinar here.

Meeting Resources:

• Africa region slides
• Americas region slides
• Asia-Oceania region slides
• Europe region slides

Stay Engaged:

• Join our online member platform and participate in regional and thematic group exchanges at www.eotecdev.net/connect.
• Let’s Meet Up at These Events:
  • AmeriGEO: Quito, Ecuador
  • EO4Africa Symposium: Frascati, Italy
  • Drought+10: Geneva, Switzerland
  • EuroGEO: Kraków, Poland

See You at the Next EOTEC DevNet Meetings:

• CoP Task Team meetings: September 18/19
• Next Floods Working Group meetings: October 16/17

We look forward to your continued participation and support!