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Q. In context of the increasing importance of technology for disaster management, throw some light on the application of GIS and Remote Sensing in disaster management with specific examples from India.

Approach:

• Write a short introduction on the technology of GIS and remote sensing.
• Discuss the application of the two on disaster management.
• Quoting examples from the Indian experience, conclude briefly.

Answer:

With the recent advancements in technology, Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and Remote Sensing technologies have effectively improved the workflow in all phases of disaster management and provided effective remedial solutions. For instance, data from Cartosat-1 was used for inundation vulnerability assessment of the Indian coastline in the event of a Tsunami; similarly the RISAT series of satellites have previously been used towards disaster management and planning.

These technologies can be leveraged across all stages of disaster management:

Mitigation: Mitigation efforts attempt to prevent hazards from developing into disasters altogether or reduce the effects of disasters when they occur.

• GIS and remote sensing technology provides the capability to map and analyze hazards and visualize their potential impacts.
• When hazards are fused with critical infrastructure, population densities, and other community values, vulnerabilities can be observed, modelled, and better understood.

Preparedness: Emergency management requires development of plans of action for when disaster strikes. GIS and remote sensing technology can be utilized for preparedness as follows:

• Site selection for adequate evacuation shelters.
• Selecting and modelling evacuation routes.
• Identification and mapping of key tactical and strategic facilities like Hospitals, Public safety facilities etc.
• Providing capability for the command and control information system that enables situational awareness and incident management support.

Response: GIS and remote sensing supports the response mission as follows:

• Provide warnings and notifications to the public and others about pending, existing, or unfolding emergencies based on the location or areas to be impacted by the incident.
• Maintain continuity of operations supply inventories, external power requirements, shelter population capacities, etc. at shelter locations.
• Identify the locations and capabilities of existing and mutual aid public safety resources.
• Provide the capability to create remote connections to the command center for officials and others who need to participate but are unable to come to the command center.
• Establish the capability to share information and status with regional, state, and federal agencies.
• Maintain incident status and progress reports; facilitate damage assessment collection and analysis.

Recovery: The aim of the recovery phase is to restore the affected area to its original state. GIS and remote sensing can be integral for recovery through:

• Identification of damage.
• Overall damage costs and priorities for reconstruction efforts based on appropriate local criteria.
• Locations of business and supplies necessary to support reconstruction.
• Determination of short term action for assessing overall critical infrastructure damage like First aid and health; Additional shelter needs; Optimum locations for public assistance; Alternate locations for government operations if government facilities are damaged etc.

In addition, GIS data and remote sensing technology solutions are relatively cheaper and  dependable. Hence, these technologies must be leveraged to generate an effective strategy  to  address all phases of disaster management in India and prevent economic and social losses.