The government of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has leveraged advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology from ICEYE to effectively map flooded areas and streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid following devastating floods in June. This collaboration has proven critical in ensuring that assistance reaches the most affected communities swiftly and accurately.
According to a press release from ICEYE, their SAR-based “Flood Solutions” service provided high-precision imagery, even through dense cloud cover, a common challenge during extreme weather events. This comprehensive service combines near real-time flood observations with sophisticated analysis of SAR data and other geospatial sources, enabling precise and timely mapping of both the extent and depth of floodwaters. These actionable insights allowed the state government to activate emergency protocols rapidly, ensuring that aid from the “Volta por Cima” program reached vulnerable families without delay.
Danielle Calazans, Secretary of Planning, Governance, and Management of Rio Grande do Sul, mentioned that the utilization of ICEYE data was “crucial in accurately identifying the hardest-hit areas, even in scenarios with cloud coverage.” She added that the collaboration and quick response time empowered the state to react promptly and disburse financial credits to affected families through social cards.
The effectiveness of ICEYE’s solution highlights its transformative impact on disaster management and humanitarian relief. In this new phase of the “Volta por Cima” program, R$4 million (approximately €750,000) is being allocated to support around 2,000 families impacted by the June storms. The funds are being disbursed immediately and without prior registration, a process completed in less than a week due to the integration of state databases with ICEYE’s geospatial intelligence. The State Secretariats of Planning, Governance, and Management (SPGG) and of Social Development (SEDES) are coordinating this effort through the “MUP – Mapa Único do Plano Rio Grande,” a platform designed for traceability, transparency, and agility in public fund allocation.
This adoption of satellite technology in southern Brazil reportedly stems from a technical mission by SPGG officials to Finland, where they met with ICEYE executives to explore solutions for increasingly frequent and severe climate disasters. ICEYE had previously played a vital role in responding to another major flood event in Rio Grande do Sul in May 2024, deploying its satellite constellation to map affected areas and support rescue, mitigation, and reconstruction efforts.
ICEYE, a leader in SAR satellite monitoring technology, is recognized for its ability to capture images regardless of weather or lighting conditions, including at night or through cloud cover. This capability provides high-resolution geospatial data to public authorities, civil defense teams, humanitarian organizations, and private companies, offering a comprehensive view of critical zones, damaged infrastructure, and optimal shelter locations. The data also serves as a historical record, supporting both immediate response and long-term disaster prevention planning.
