A team at NASA located in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles is using the latest in satellite technology to assist with the rescue efforts of earthquake victims after last month's magnitude 7.9 quake that rocked Nepal. From a park bench near his home in the Pacific Palisades, NASA scientist Frank Webb can pinpoint exactly where the massive earthquake caused buildings to collapse, regardless of how remote the areas may be.
"How much damage has there been? Where should we send relief efforts?" explained Webb, who says that it's information that is critical to saving lives. "It's very satisfying to have this job."
Webb is also a part of a team at the space agency using the state-of-the-art technology to create maps that identify locations where people could be trapped and areas vulnerable to avalanches or landslides. According to him, the remote sensing radar can detect people buried underneath 30 feet of rubble and can greatly assist with the rescue efforts. The information he finds is then shared freely with Nepal's government in an effort to save as many lives as they possible can.
"Instead of like going blind out looking for damaged buildings or damaged infrastructure, they have something that helps guide them."
There is no doubt that Webb's efforts are greatly helping aid workers in Nepal search for survivors and it could potentially save hundreds of lives. Beyond that, Webb believes, the satellite data that he is now using could have an even bigger impact locally. California is well known for its earthquakes as well, and if a big one was to strike, authorities and other aid workers will need help searching for survivors in the area. This technology could improve the rescue efforts in California if disaster strikes.
"Instead of like going blind out looking for damaged buildings or damaged infrastructure, they have something that helps guide them."
Webb says he heard from officials in Nepal that told him that the maps he has been sending them have been very accurate and they have helped save countless lives.
Last week's quake, struck on April 25 and was the most powerful earthquake to hit the area since 1934. The quake was felt for miles and triggered avalanches on the slopes of Mount Everest, killing and injuring climbers. Government officials have since updated the death toll to 6,624 with over 14,000 injured, and it expects these numbers to continue to climb.
