8 May 2017

International satellites supporting disaster management
The International Charter "Space and Major Disasters" is an international effort to put space technology at the service of rescue and emergency responders in the event of a major disaster. When the Charter is activated, its members make satellite images of devastated regions available to support relief efforts. Armed quickly with reliable and accurate information, response teams are better equipped to save lives and limit damage to property, infrastructure and the environment. As a member of the Charter, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) provides satellite imagery to help mitigate the effects of natural disasters.

Support provided by CSA following Charter activations
Flooding in Canada – May 2017
The city of Montreal and surrounding areas have been hit by severe flooding due to heavy rain and melting snow following the seasonal rise in temperature. At least 1,900 homes have been flooded across 126 towns and cities. A state of emergency has been declared, and mandatory evacuation orders have been issued in some areas.
The province of Ontario has also been significantly affected. There is widespread flooding in the National Capital region. In southern Ontario, the Canadian Press news agency has reported that Lake Ontario's water level has reached an extent not seen since 1993.

The Government Operations Centre is working to coordinate the response to the situations in Quebec and Ontario.
Thanks to the CSA's participation in the International Charter "Space and Major Disasters," imagery from RADARSAT-2 and international satellites is being provided to mitigate the effects of this natural disaster.