On 18 August 2014 the International Charter: Space and Major Disasters was activated for floods in Uttar Pradesh, northern India, at the request of NRSC / ISRO in order to provide space-based product.
Heavy rains in the Himalayas have triggered flooding in many parts of India with up to 1500 villages affected, a death toll of over 60 and many more people missing. Major rivers and tributaries in the area have risen to dangerous levels, triggering an unprecedented flood situation.
A standard operating procedure (SOP) is in place, but the situation will be normal only if it stops raining in the catchment areas in both Nepal and India. Rescuers have been attempting to reach the villages via submerged roads, but local authorities are concerned by the lack of clean drinking water, food and sanitation.
Satellite-based products and maps created through the mechanism will be published on the International Charter's website as soon as they become available.
