Satellite Imagery in Aid of Typhoon Cleanup Operation
The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is providing satellite images to help with the cleanup operation following typhoon Haiyan. A request came from the Royal Navy warship, HMS Daring, for high-resolution satellite images to help identify the areas worst hit by the 235mph winds and 20ft waves that devastated the Philippines earlier this month. The images will show whether there has been any significant changes to the sea after typhoon Haiyan struck. This will assist the vessel in safely navigating the waters whilst on its humanitarian relief deployment.
Satellite images have also been sent to the Philippines Hydrographic Office for use in directing other Navy vessels safely around the now hazardous waters, as part of the cleanup operation.
On top of this, UKHO supported the aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious, with navigational and geographic data products and services as it entered the region on the 24 November to relieve HMS Daring of its duties.
Ian Husband, UKHO geographic manager (GM), who covers the Philippines, says they have been using the little intelligence the service has so far, like the path of the typhoon and what is known about the region, to direct initial efforts to the ports of Cebu on Cebu, Calbayog on Samar, Catbaloban on Samar, Tacloban on Leyte, Ormoc City on Leyte and Calapan on Mindoro.
UKHO colleagues also responded to a call for donations, raising GBP633.25 for the Philippines appeal in a quick one-day fundraiser in their canteen. This has already been sent to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to help provide clean water, food and emergency shelter to the victims of the destructive typhoon.
