Satellite-based Disaster Management System for Asia-Pacific Region

In 2005, a disaster management support system for Asia was proposed at the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF). This led to the Sentinel Asia project with participants (at the time) from 23 agencies in 14 countries and 4 international organizations. The aim was to reduce the number of victims and economic loss caused by natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific Region. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is contributing to this effort by playing an active role as the Sentinel Asia Secretariat. The Satellite-based Disaster Management System for the Asia-Pacific Region, the "Sentinel Asia STEP 2 System," provides disaster response agencies in disaster-affected countries with relevant information, including data reflecting conditions on the ground, obtained by earth observation satellites. It supports the monitoring of disasters in the Asia-Pacific Region by ICT. Fujitsu began developing this system in 2008, and it has been in operation since March 31, 2010. This article presents an overview of the technologies provided by Fujitsu and example results of its use in response to natural disasters.