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From Space to Response: SANSA’s Earth Observation Intelligence Analysis on the Cape Town Flood Disaster

South African National Space AgencyRef: https://www.sansa.org.za/2026/05/from-space-to-response-sansas-earth-observation-intelligence-analysis-on-the-cape-town-flood-disaster/

Official source

Source domain: sansa.org.za

Collected on 26 June 2026

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What this means

The document discusses SANSA's analysis of the Cape Town floods using Sentinel-1 SAR imagery to map current surface water and model flood risk. It explains that flood extents and risk zones were analyzed by comparing May 2026 imagery with April 2026 conditions, identifying widespread flooding and vulnerable areas in low-lying, peri-urban, and informal settlements. The analysis provides quantitative figures on flooded extent and built-up areas, illustrating the role of Earth Observation in disaster response and planning.

What this document offers

Read out of this document by Govermate's AI, in its own words. Each one quotes the line it came from — confirm on the official source before acting.

request for reports, maps or dataOngoing

Access detailed reports, maps or data (including for other areas)

SANSA offers a way to request detailed reports, maps or data related to its Earth Observation flood analysis, including for other areas.

Who it is for
people who want detailed reports, maps or data over other areas
How to act on it
Email SANSA customer services at customers-eo@sansa.org.za and Khumbulani Mkhize at kmkhize@sansa.org.za to access detailed reports, maps or data over other areas.
Show the line this came from
To access detailed reports, maps or data over other areas, please contact customer services at customers-eo@sansa.org.za and Khumbulani Mkhize at kmkhize@sansa.org.za

Facts

Places

City of Cape Town, Western Cape

Reference

https://www.sansa.org.za/2026/05/from-space-to-response-sansas-earth-observation-intelligence-analysis-on-the-cape-town-flood-disaster/

Key Takeaways

  • organization: South African National Space Agency (SANSA)
  • subject: Cape Town flood disaster analysis
  • data: Sentinel-1 SAR imagery
  • dates: imagery from May 2026; comparison with April 2026
  • flood_extent: approximately 47,690.10 hectares
  • built_up_area_within_extent: 52,639.90 hectares
  • flooded_built_up_area: approximately 9,710.91 hectares
  • geographic focus: Cape Town metropolitan area, including coastal plains, river corridors, wetlands, and peri-urban areas
  • risk_layers: blue = observed surface water; orange/red = 1m/5m flood risk scenarios