Satellite Images of West Attica Flood Help Government Response

A flood west of Athens, Greece, was caused by heavy rain on November 15-16, and has killed 22 people.

The cities of Mandra, Elefsina, and Nea Peramos were most affected with 1,184 buildings suffering damage requiring significant government compensation.

European Space Imaging captured 30 cm resolution images of the area using the WorldView-4 satellite on November 21. The images clearly show the damage wrought by the torrents of water and mud, and the path the water took as it flowed down the sides of the mountains and into gullies.

“The satellite images were made immediately available to the Space Applications and Remote Sensing Institute of National Observatory of Athens for the purpose of planning and maintaining situational awareness of the event in collaboration with first responders and government agencies,” said Vana Giavi, Managing Director of TotalView, European Space Imaging’s partner in Greece.

It has been reported that inappropriate urban development may have been a major contributing factor to the event’s severity, as natural floodways have been blocked by unlicensed construction.

“The very high resolution satellite imagery will be an invaluable tool for the Greek government to detect the presence of illegal buildings, and to plan future flood-prevention infrastructure,” said Adrian Zevenbergen, Managing Director of European Space Imaging.

Mandra-Before-17NOV21_WV4_EUSI_Greece_Mandra_flooded-streets-before_afterMandra-After-17NOV21_WV4_EUSI_Greece_Mandra_flooded-streets-before_after
Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin

Related Stories

Natural disaster (fire) in a satellite image

Satellite Imagery for Emergency Management

The use of satellite imagery for emergency response and management is invaluable. Both optical and SAR images help rescuers save lives when disasters happen, assist with damage assessments, and in many cases contribute to successfully preventing and predicting emergencies. Which events can be prevented? How exactly do first responders use satellite images? When are they better than other methods? We have summarised our 20+ years of experience in this article.

Read More »

Satellite Imagery as a Valuable Tool for the New Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027 

On 1 January 2023, the new Common Agricultural Policy for years 2023–2027 entered into force. Hand in hand with the provided subsidies goes the necessity for monitoring and controls, which falls to the individual Member States. Therefore, an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective source of data is needed. Such source is Very High Resolution (VHR) satellite imagery. It allows you to conduct in-depth analysis of plant and soil conditions, map land use at wide scales with incredible detail and accuracy, and ensure that agricultural goals are being met.

Read More »