Copernicus Sentinel-1 data are highlighting the collapse of the Xe-Pian Xe-Namnoy dam in the southeastern province of Attapeu in Laos.
The collapse has led to flash floods that have claimed several lives and left many more people missing, according to local news reports.
Sentinel-1's radar ability to ‘see' through clouds and rain, and in darkness, makes it particularly useful for monitoring floods. Images acquired before and after flooding offer immediate information on the extent of inundation and support assessments of property and environmental damage.
The C-band synthetic aperture radar on Sentinel-1 can provide large swath images with a resolution of 20 m and within hours of acquisition to aid emergency response.
With construction starting back in 2013, the dam had been expected to commence commercial operations this year.
