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In November 2024, Sentinel-2 images showed the scale of flooding in Valencia. Beyond mapping damaged areas, satellites can help monitor the environmental conditions in areas affected by emergencies such as the one that hit Spain.

Spain suffered its worst flood in decades after torrential rains struck the eastern province of Valencia in October 2024. Copernicus provides a unified system through which vast amounts of data are fed into a range of thematic information services designed to benefit the environment, the way we live, humanitarian needs and support effective policy-making for a more sustainable future.

ESA developed the Sentinel family of satellites specifically for the operational needs of Copernicus. ESA coordinates the delivery of data from upwards of 30 satellites. The European Commission, acting on behalf of the European Union, is responsible for the overall initiative, setting requirements and managing the services.

These services fall into six main categories: land management, the marine environment, atmosphere, emergency response, security and climate change.