Paraguay Uses Space Tech to Prepare for El Niño Floods

Asunción, Paraguay – In preparation for the anticipated strong El Niño phenomenon, Paraguay's Space Agency is employing advanced technology to simulate potential impacts, particularly concerning river levels. International meteorological forecasts predict a particularly intense El Niño this year, driven by unusual warming in the Pacific Ocean, which is expected to bring increased rainfall to Paraguay and the wider South American region in the coming weeks and months.

This heightened precipitation raises concerns about potential flooding in riverside areas of Asunción and other cities along the Paraguay River. The river's level could rise considerably due to the anticipated rains, prompting government institutions to begin planning preventive measures. The Space Agency plays a crucial role in these preparations by utilizing satellite imagery, high-resolution drone photography, and digital simulations to forecast the phenomenon's impact.

Alejandro Román, Director of Aerospace Execution and Development at the Space Agency, explained that their predictive models are fed by satellite images obtained through agreements with international space agencies like NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. These images, combined with data from specialized drones, allow the agency to create simulation models.

These models aim to predict, for example, the extent of flooding in Asunción's riverside areas based on projected Paraguay River levels. Román stated that simulations are being developed using a scenario where the Paraguay River reaches its maximum historical flood level recorded in 1983, 9.1 meters. This analysis will help determine the potential reach of the floodwaters and identify the number of schools and health services that could be directly affected, among other indicators.

The data generated is then communicated to relevant institutions, such as the National Emergency Secretariat and the Ministries of Public Health and Education, to aid in their contingency planning and response efforts.