Causes
Explosive events are a result of technological accidents, which can cause significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure when occurring in urban areas.
Examples of explosions for which the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters monitor include:
- Train derailments
- Aircraft crashes
- Electrical or chemical explosions at power facilities or factories
Consequences
These accidental explosions can cause physical damage from the force of the explosion and in the event of chemical explosions may pose respiratory or toxic hazards for people in the area.
Satellite data
Data from satellites can help to monitor the impact of explosive events by comparing the affected location before and after the explosion to assess the damage and to provide an overview of an area that may not be safe for emergency workers to enter.
Very high-resolution and high-resolution optical sensors are the most effective for urban damage detection, but visibility may be restricted by cloud and ash. SAR data may be useful for base mapping and damage assessment at higher resolution. In the event of a fire, infrared instruments on board satellites can help to identify active fires, providing valuable information to assist the coordination of first responders.