Satellites to assist the Japanese authorities
Satellite images of Natori, Japan: before (left, 04/04/2010) and after (right, 12/03/2011) © GeoEye
When a natural disaster occurs, such as like the massive earthquake that struck off the north-east coast of Honshu followed by a strong Tsunami, it is urgent to know the areas affected by the disaster, the current condition of the access roads as well as to identify areas where the population can be relocated safely.
It is precisely in these areas where satellite images become extremely useful to support the post disaster decision making process.