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Space technology plays a critical role in disaster management in some of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. While ASEAN countries with space technology capabilities are focused on their own national efforts and goals, climate-induced disasters remain a significant transboundary threat. For this reason, ASEAN countries with access to space technology should consider coordinating the use of these resources specifically for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in areas where disaster risk outweighs resilience.
Commentary
www.rsis.edu.sg Issue 048 – 3 May 2024 The views expressed by the authors are their own and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies, NTU S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. These commentaries may be reproduced with prior permission from RSIS and due acknowledgement to the authors and RSIS.
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No. 048/2024 dated 3 May 2024 Space Technology for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in ASEAN Keith Paolo C. Landiccio Abstract Space technology plays a critical role in disaster management in the world’s most disaster-prone regions. While ASEAN countries with space technology capabilities focus on national efforts and goals, climate-induced disasters remain a significant transboundary threat. For this reason, ASEAN countries with access to space technology should consider coordinating the use of these resources for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), especially in areas where disaster risk outweighs resilience.
Commentary
Climate-induced disasters pose a recurring threat to humanitarian needs and vulnerabilities in Southeast Asia, especially as the 2023 World Risk Report shows that four of the top 15 countries at highest disaster risk are located in the region.
Moreover, according to the World Risk Report 2024, extreme weather and other disaster risks are expected to continue to have a significant impact over the next two and ten years.
Weather-related disasters such as droughts, floods and tropical cyclones are becoming increasingly devastating, with cross-border impacts in the region. Such impacts present challenges that highlight the importance of cooperation and collaboration. The ASEAN Secretariat report highlights this need, adopting a methodology that integrates probabilistic models and satellite imagery to assess cross-border risks and plan scenarios accordingly.
Other space technologies such as Earth observation, location services, and satellite communications are also aiding HADR efforts in response to such weather-induced disasters. Earth observation data is used to aid in rapid damage assessment and inform predictive models to mitigate future disasters.
Global Positioning System (GPS) location services are essential for search and rescue operations. Satellite communications also provide vital connectivity in disaster-stricken areas. These tools not only identify the risk of cross-border and climate-driven disasters, but also highlight the value of space technology in addressing these challenges.
These opportunities presented by space technologies can enhance coordination and response efforts, demonstrating the potential for such technologies to fill existing gaps and foster more coordinated action to address complex regional issues.
