Brian Dunbar          
Headquarters, Washington, D.C.                                         
July 22, 1993
(Phone:  202/358-1547)
 
Myron Webb
John C. Stennis Space Center, Miss.
(Phone:  601/688-3341)

RELEASE:  93-134
 
NASA PROVIDING MIDWEST FLOODING INFORMATION
 
   NASA is providing needed assistance to the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency's (FEMA) efforts to gather information on the 
flood-damaged Midwest.
 
   On July 17 and 18 at FEMA's request, personnel from NASA's John 
C. 
Stennis Space Center (SSC), Miss., flew specialized sensors 
mounted in an airplane over portions of the midwestern states.
  
   The first two missions covered an area from Cairo, Ill., to 
Chester, Ill., 
with an emphasis on Cape Girardeau, Mo.  Plans for another flyover 
to acquire digital imagery and infrared photographs from Kansas 
City, Mo., to Omaha, Neb. will be arranged, weather permitting, at 
the first opportunity.

   With digital imagery, information from a particular area can be 
collected, computer analyzed and compiled more quickly than with 
conventional photography.  The resulting information is more 
versatile than other forms of data.  Changes in conditions can be 
updated and edited immediately.

   FEMA will use these images to assist in charting flood-damaged 
areas, to boost the emergency management agency's computer 
database on the region and to update flood insurance maps.  In 
addition, the data will be used in assessing the status of 
residential and industrial areas and related infrastructure such 
as roads, bridges and rail services.
 
   Another major concern to FEMA is getting initial disaster 
assistance to the people who need it most. 

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   "The NASA data will be especially useful to the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency in their efforts to quickly settle 
flood insurance claims, making sure those who need the help 
receive assistance in a very timely manner," said NASA's Roy 
Estess, Director of SSC. "This is an effective use of available 
resources that can save taxpayer dollars."

   While flying the aerial reconnaissance mission, 
photographic-like digital imagery and high-resolution infrared 
photographs were taken of the flooded region. The missions were 
flown at 41,000 feet and at 6,600 feet, producing both 
multispectral digital imagery and color photography at different 
degrees of resolution down to 15 feet.
 
   "We hope that NASA and SSC are providing a valuable service to 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  While other agencies are 
furnishing data to FEMA, NASA is the only agency offering digital 
imagery," Estess said.
 
   SSC can respond quickly with important information in emergency 
situations.  The NASA facility has played an integral part in 
developing digital imaging technology for use in disaster 
assessment.
 
   In August 1992, SSC provided the state of Florida with both 
digital imagery and infrared photography of South Florida areas 
hit hardest by hurricane Andrew.  The imagery helped officials 
assess the damage, prioritize relief efforts and develop long-term 
land use plans.
 
   SSC continues to work with FEMA as that agency follows the 
cresting of the Mississippi River and the areas affected by the 
flooding.
 
   "We remain in close contact with FEMA and will provide 
assistance in an effort to help resolve this national emergency," 
said Estess.


                              -end-