Space Technology in Transport Disaster Search and Rescue Operation: the Challenge for Africa

Abstract

Science and technological advancement is not so pronounced in any sector globally as in the transport sector that is obvious since the first Ford’s Model Ts vehicle in 1908 which has metamorphosis into the present day hybrid vehicles. But the towering environmental hazard accompanying these developments is of major concern. Disasters are sometimes natural, human-induced or both. But the long time-lag between the occurrence of mishap and the rescue operation carried out is the major factor responsible for the great loses of life and properties especially in the developing countries like Nigeria with high road and air accident records. This paper is aimed at exploring the critical role of space technology in the provision of timely and qualitative information that facilitates the works of the disaster management agencies especially in critical decision making for better preparedness as a challenge for African countries. The analysis reveals that GIS and RS is the pivot on which a timely SAR revolve, and that the present status of most African countries’ SAR operations is obsolete, disjointed and none real-time based. It is therefore recommended that a more dynamic synergy and coordinated SAR operation that leverage on remote sensing techniques be developed.