On 13 February 2023, AFSIS Secretariat held a meeting with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) under the Space Applications for Environment (SAFE) community with support from JAXA and MAFF of Japan in meeting room 1, Innovation building, Office of Agricultural Economics, Bangkok.
The participants were 3 representatives from JAXA: Dr. Shinichi Sobue, Dr. Kei Oyoshi, and Mr. Go Segami, 1 representative from MAFF, Mr. Ryuki Ikeda, 1 representative from SEAA Research LLC, Mr. Shoji Kimura, and the AFSIS Secretariat.
The objective of the meeting was to introduce SAFE projects and cooperation in SAFE activities i.e., the SAFE Rice monitoring (INAHOR) using ALOS-2satellite and Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) with training data collection for rice mapping, a New SAFE project regarding methane emission from paddy rice (CH4Rice), and the relationship between SAFE Rice monitoring (INAHOR) project and FAO project.
In addition, there was a discussion session where the participants discussed the potential collaboration between AFSIS Secretariat and JAXA for enhancing the food security information in the ASEAN Region by using satellite technology in the future.
In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.
The tropical cyclones that impacted the Philippines in November 2024, including Yinxing, Oraji, Usagi, and Man-Yi, have caused widespread devastation across several provinces, resulting in heavy rainfall, severe winds, flooding, and significant agricultural damage. These storms have left communities grappling with extensive losses, including damaged crops, disrupted livelihoods, and displacement. Despite the severe impacts, the government of the Philippines, along with international aid from neighboring countries and global partners, has mobilized resources for relief and recovery. The ongoing efforts to assist those affected highlight the resilience of the Filipino people and the importance of continued preparedness in the face of natural disasters.
On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.
On Sunday, November 3, 2024, at 22:57 WITA, Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki, one of Indonesia’s 120 active volcanoes, erupted on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province, The eruption, lasting 24 minutes (1,450 seconds), was recorded with a massive amplitude of 47.3 mm. According to Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, a strong eruption sent ash up to 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), affecting over 10,000 people. Smaller eruptions followed on November 5-6. In response, the Center for Volcanology and Geological Hazard Mitigation (PVMBG) raised the volcano’s alert status to “Awas” (Level IV), indicating a high danger level.
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