Disaster risks in Southeast Asia are a matter of urgent concern, with climate-induced disasters posing significant threats to the region. According to the World Risk Report 2023, four out of the top 15 countries with the highest disaster risk are located in ASEAN, underscoring the pressing need for effective disaster management. Furthermore, the Global Risks Report 2024 has projected that extreme weather events will continue to have a substantial impact on the region in the coming years.
With the increasing frequency and severity of climate-induced disasters, such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones, there is a growing need for collaborative efforts to address these challenges. Space technology has emerged as a crucial tool in disaster management, offering benefits for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) in the ASEAN region. Nations in ASEAN with access to space technology should consider pooling their resources to enhance disaster response and resilience in the face of escalating disaster risks.
A report by the ASEAN Secretariat has underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing transboundary risks, utilizing probability models and satellite imagery to assess and plan for potential disaster scenarios. Furthermore, space technology, including earth observation, location services, and satellite-enabled communications, has played a pivotal role in HADR efforts. Earth observation data has been instrumental in rapid damage assessment and informing forecast models to mitigate future disasters. Location services from the Global Positioning System (GPS) have been vital in search and rescue operations, while satellite-enabled communications have provided essential connectivity in disaster-affected areas.
The utilization of such space-based tools has not only aided in identifying and addressing the threats posed by climate-induced disasters, but has also highlighted the value of space technology in addressing complex regional challenges. By enhancing coordination and response efforts, space technology has the potential to bridge existing gaps and foster more concerted actions toward building disaster resilience in ASEAN.
In conclusion, the coordination of space technology for disaster management in ASEAN is crucial in addressing the escalating disaster risks in the region. By emphasizing collaboration and the utilization of space-based tools, nations in ASEAN can work towards building a more resilient and prepared region in the face of climate-induced disasters. As the frequency and impact of such disasters continue to grow, leveraging space technology for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief is imperative for the collective well-being of the ASEAN community.