Remote Sensing for Volcanic Eruptions and Earthquake Emergency Management Strategies in Developing Countries

Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes present significant challenges to developing countries, where limited monitoring infrastructure restricts effective risk mitigation efforts. Satellite remote sensing observations offer essential information, including surface deformation and thermal anomalies, for hazard assessment, early warning, and emergency response. These satellite-based observations enable comprehensive spatial and temporal monitoring, utilising both publicly available medium-resolution and commercial high-resolution datasets. Over the past decade, Sentinel radar and optical observations have been employed in areas with limited in-situ measurement capabilities[1]. Nonetheless, the utilisation of these datasets in developing countries is frequently hampered by insufficient computational and analytical resources.

This study examines the role of remote sensing in strengthening disaster risk management within resource-constrained contexts. We propose a collaborative framework that utilises satellite remote sensing data processing Centres in developed countries to assist developing nations in analysing pre-, during, and post-crisis events. Moreover, we advocate for engaging with space agencies to enhance satellite tasking during crisis observation, thereby improving our understanding of the event’s driving mechanisms. We highlight the critical role of remote sensing through a case study of recent seismic and volcanic activity in the Main Ethiopian Rift, specifically between the Fentale and Dofen volcanoes[2]. While national seismic and geodetic networks provide data on large and medium-magnitude earthquakes and significant deformations, they cannot detect low-magnitude precursory events or local deformations due to their proximity to volcanic centres. Furthermore, the installation of temporary monitoring facilities is often constrained by various limitations. Remote sensing bridges this gap by offering detailed data to support local research, inform timely decision-making, and strengthen crisis management. The crises have impacted under-resourced regions, the primary import-export corridor, and nearby urban centres, including Addis Ababa, where rapid urbanisation has raised safety concerns. This study underscores the necessity of integrated remote sensing solutions and international collaboration to enhance resilience and mitigate risks in disaster-prone areas.

Keywords: Sentinel, Main Ethiopian Rift, Fentale Volcano, Developing Countries, Emergency Management

 

Acknowledgements

The Authors would like to express their sincere thanks and gratitude to the following trusts, charities, organisations and individuals for their generosity in supporting this project: Lord Faringdon Charitable Trust, The Schroder Foundation, Cazenove Charitable Trust, Ernest Cook Trust, Sir Henry Keswick, Ian Bond, P. F. Charitable Trust, Prospect Investment Management Limited, The Adrian Swire Charitable Trust, The John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust, The Sackler Trust, The Tanlaw Foundation, and The Wyfold Charitable Trust.

 

References

[1] Tessema, T. T., Biggs, J., Lewi, E., & Ayele, A. (2020). Evidence for active rhyolitic dike intrusion in the northern Main Ethiopian Rift from the 2015 Fentale seismic swarm. Geochemistry, Geophysics, Geosystems, 21, e2019GC008550. https://doi.org/10.1029/2019GC008550

[2] Derek Keir, Alessandro La Rosa, Carolina Pagli, et al. (2024). The 2024 Fentale Diking Episode in a Slow Extending Continental Rift. ESS Open Archive DOI: 10.22541/au.172979388.80164210/v1