Memo: European Commission’s satellite analysis supporting international Tsunami information gathering efforts

In the wake the earthquake of 26 December 2005 in the Indian Ocean and the subsequent devastating tsunami, the European Commission was working closely with international and European organisations to use satellite analysis to measure the immediate extent and impact of the disaster. These regional, national and in-country analyses were being used to support international aid efforts, including the donor pledging conference in Geneva, 11 January 2005, and the Jakarta international donor conference on 6 January 2005. Extensive use was made of satellite imagery, notably in the context of the activation of the International Chart on Space and Major Disasters.