States need smarter tools to address today's natural disasters
A national conversation is unfolding about how federal, state and local governments should share responsibility for disaster management. While that debate continues, emergency managers of all backgrounds agree on two things: the system needs reform, and communities need better tools to respond to disasters.
In 2024 alone, more than 550 lives were lost to major storms, and damages topped $182 billion. Tampa, Fla., saw its worst storm surge on record. Asheville, N.C., is still recovering from Hurricane Helene's catastrophic flooding. This year, forecasts predict another worrisome year. On July 4, historic flash flooding tore through Texas Hill Country, claiming 135 lives.
Meanwhile, state and local governments are being asked to do more with less. Federal disaster assistance remains vital, but it has faced growing criticism — for arriving too slowly, being too limited, or simply failing to meet the evolving scale of need. This puts more pressure on local responders, who are increasingly on the front line of disaster response. It also highlights an urgent need for smarter, faster tools that help everyone make better decisions when time matters most.
One of the more transformative new tools is satellite-based hazard monitoring, particularly Synthetic Aperture Radar, which, unlike traditional imagery, can capture conditions on the ground through clouds, darkness and storms.
These capabilities allow decision-makers to act quickly, even when conditions on the ground are dangerous or inaccessible. Within hours of a storm making landfall, satellite-based insights can identify flooded areas, detect damaged buildings and track changing conditions at a block-by-block level.
This is not a futuristic promise — it's being used today.
When Hurricane Helene marched inland to North Carolina, floodwaters surged across roads and neighborhoods, cutting off access for emergency personnel. The cloud cover remained for days following the event. But just hours after landfall, Synthetic Aperture Radar's satellite-based capabilities revealed the extent of the flooding across Asheville.
With that rapid visibility, local leaders could immediately reroute emergency vehicles, prioritize evacuations and coordinate shelter access for displaced residents. The data also helped nonprofits like Samaritan's Purse fly more than 60 critical supply missions despite the remaining cloud cover, long before boots could safely reach the ground.
Satellite-driven data helped shift the response forward, protecting both lives and municipal resources.
Faster disaster data saves lives and cuts costs. Today's damage assessments are slow and costly, requiring aerial surveys and fieldwork. But with better situational awareness, these efforts can be fundamentally smarter and more precise. Quick insights reduce reliance on manual inspections, speed up aid and fight fraud with verified, evidence-based data.
Agencies at all levels are starting to recognize the value of technology, but we need to accelerate adoption. Preparation and resilience begin locally. This hurricane season, we need a new playbook. We must empower local governments with smarter data and faster insights to save lives and protect communities.
The future of disaster relief may be uncertain. But technology can help communities act faster, respond smarter and recover stronger — right now.
Pete Gaynor is a former FEMA administrator and director of emergency management for the state of Rhode Island. He is currently president of Bright Harbor. Andy Read is vice president of government solutions at ICEYE.
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USA Today
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- USA Today
August brings ominous hurricane season news. Is another Helene brewing?
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New York Times
4 days ago
- New York Times
How to Prepare Your Pantry for an Emergency
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