Kerala has been ravaged by floods and relief operations are on in certain parts of the State. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) played a crucial role in providing information to the security agencies involved in the rescue operations.

ISRO's remote sensing satellites are continuously providing data and images of the affected areas.

"We are providing images from our remote sensing satellites and communication links from our communication satellites. Where the damage has happened, what is the extent of the damage, these are the information provided by these satellites to different agencies which are involved," said an ISRO official to MyNation.

Resourcesat 2, Resourcesat 2A, Oceansat 2, Cartosat series, RISAT and INSAT 3DR have been used to send real-time images of locations. Security agencies use these to plan rescue operations.

Resourcesat 2 and 2A are loaded with a linear imaging self scanner camera that provides high-resolution images of a region. This helps in predicting an incoming storm, rain or other natural disasters. Cartosat series also carries out a similar operation.

Oceansat 2 is being used to study surface winds of the ocean and also the surface of the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean.

INSAT 3DR detects how clouds are positioned and can communicate the speed at which clouds travel.

RISAT is a reconnaissance satellite that does all-weather surveillance and provides data.

"This is not, however, specific to only the Kerala and Kodagu floods. Whenever a natural disaster hits or is about to hit India, we provide data procured from these satellites. Cyclones and tsunamis can also be detected with the help of these satellites," the ISRO official said.