NGA deploys team to Louisiana to assist in aftermath of severe flooding

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency deployed a disaster support team August 18 to assist the Federal Emergency Management Agency with damage assessments of flooded areas in Louisiana.

Severe flooding has occurred along portions of the Amite, Vermillion, Mermentau and Calcasieu Rivers and flood conditions are likely to persist for several days.

To support recovery efforts, NGA is providing geospatial data and products for search and rescue teams working in the Ascension Parish and other areas affected by the flooding. The deployed team is helping emergency personnel navigate affected areas to provide response and recovery assistance.

“Our deployed team in Louisiana is supporting FEMA with geospatial expertise for ongoing emergency response and recovery efforts,” said Todd Noel, chief of disaster analysis and domestic support at NGA.

NGA’s visualization products and web services show location and damage-specific information to county emergency officials, local law enforcement and FEMA urban search and rescue teams for ongoing recovery operations.

One of NGA’s mission sets is providing accurate and timely geospatial information to first responders in the wake of natural disasters. NGA supports humanitarian and disaster relief efforts by working directly with the lead federal agencies responding to fires, flood, earthquakes, landslides, hurricanes or other natural or manmade disasters.

Source: NGA