For 6th Semester Polytechnic All Branch Students
Written by Garima Kanwar | Blog: Rajasthan Polytechnic
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Course Code 63002(Same in All Branches of Engg.)
Course Title Disaster Management
The role of science and technology in disaster management cannot be overstated. Advances in various technological fields help improve preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, making it possible to save lives, minimize damages, and ensure better resilience to future disasters. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most significant technological applications in disaster management.
5.1 Geo-Informatics in Disaster Management (RS, GIS, GPS, and Remote Sensing)
Geo-informatics refers to the integration of Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Global Positioning Systems (GPS), which have proven to be essential tools for disaster management. These technologies help to assess risk, predict disasters, plan mitigation strategies, and respond to emergencies effectively.
Remote Sensing (RS)
- What is it? Remote sensing involves the use of satellite imagery or aerial data to gather information about the Earth's surface without direct contact. This technology provides real-time data and helps monitor changes in the environment, like detecting flooding, forest fires, or land degradation.
- Example: Satellite images from the Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites help monitor flood-affected areas, detect droughts, and assess the impact of forest fires.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- What is it? GIS is a system used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and managing spatial or geographic data. It enables disaster planners to create hazard maps, assess vulnerabilities, and plan effective response strategies.
- Example: GIS is used for mapping flood-prone areas and for planning evacuation routes during natural disasters.
Global Positioning System (GPS)
- What is it? GPS provides real-time location data and is used for navigation, mapping, and guiding rescue teams during disasters. GPS also helps track assets and people during emergencies.
- Example: GPS-enabled systems help rescue teams find survivors trapped in buildings or affected by natural disasters.
Together, RS, GIS, and GPS provide real-time data that aids in early warning, disaster response, and damage assessment.
5.2 Disaster Communication System (Early Warning and Its Dissemination)
Effective communication is vital in disaster management to ensure that timely information is relayed to the public, authorities, and emergency responders. The disaster communication system plays a central role in disseminating early warnings, providing instructions, and coordinating emergency responses.
Early Warning Systems (EWS)
- What is it? EWS are systems designed to detect and predict disasters (like tsunamis, earthquakes, or floods) and issue warnings to mitigate the impact. These systems are vital for saving lives and reducing economic damage.
- Example: The Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) uses seismic data to predict and issue tsunami warnings. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provides cyclone warnings through weather forecasting systems.
Dissemination of Warnings
- What is it? Early warnings need to be quickly and efficiently disseminated to the population, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
- Methods:
- SMS alerts: Text messages sent to mobile phones for immediate dissemination.
- TV and radio broadcasts: Broadcasting emergency messages to reach remote populations.
- Social Media: Using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to issue warnings in real-time.
- Sirens and loudspeakers: Used in local areas to ensure communities hear the warning.
Timely dissemination of information through a reliable communication system can significantly reduce disaster impact.
5.3 Land Use Planning and Development Regulations
Land use planning is a crucial tool in disaster risk management. Proper land use planning ensures that new developments are built in safe areas and that communities are protected from potential hazards. It also involves developing regulations that mitigate disaster risks.
Importance of Land Use Planning
- Zoning Laws: Establishing guidelines on where different types of buildings and infrastructures can be developed (e.g., no construction in floodplains or near fault lines).
- Disaster Risk Mapping: Identifying hazardous zones such as earthquake-prone areas, flood zones, or landslide-prone hills and preventing or regulating development in these areas.
Example:
- In Kochi, coastal land use planning involves regulations for building structures in areas prone to sea level rise and storms, ensuring that vulnerable coastal areas are not overdeveloped.
5.4 Disaster Safe Designs and Constructions
Building disaster-safe structures is essential to reducing the impact of natural hazards. Advances in building technology and materials have made it possible to design buildings that are more resilient to earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and other disasters.
Disaster-Safe Design Principles
- Earthquake-resistant buildings: Use of flexible materials like reinforced concrete and steel frames to absorb seismic shock.
- Flood-resistant buildings: Elevated buildings to avoid water damage and the use of water-resistant materials.
- Wind-resistant structures: Cyclone-proof buildings with aerodynamic designs and strong foundations to withstand high winds.
Example:
- The 2001 Gujarat earthquake led to a greater focus on earthquake-resistant architecture, prompting the introduction of better building codes for seismic zones.
- In coastal areas, houses are designed to withstand strong winds and flooding, with raised foundations and wind-resistant roofs.
5.5 Structural and Non-Structural Mitigation of Disasters
Disaster mitigation aims to reduce the severity of damage caused by natural hazards. Mitigation can be categorized into structural and non-structural approaches.
Structural Mitigation
Structural measures involve physical constructions and interventions designed to withstand or mitigate the impact of disasters.
- Examples:
- Flood barriers and levees to prevent flooding.
- Seismic retrofitting of buildings to withstand earthquakes.
- Storm shelters to protect people during cyclones.
Non-Structural Mitigation
Non-structural measures focus on policies, regulations, and strategies to reduce disaster risk without physical construction.
- Examples:
- Early warning systems that provide timely alerts before disasters occur.
- Public awareness programs that educate people on disaster preparedness.
- Risk mapping to identify and regulate development in hazardous areas.
5.6 S&T Institutions for Disaster Management in India
In India, several science and technology institutions contribute to the field of disaster management through research, technology development, and training. These institutions play a pivotal role in developing new technologies, disaster prediction models, and strategies to improve disaster preparedness and response.
Key Institutions:
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): Provides oceanographic data for early warning systems, especially for tsunamis and cyclones.
- National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM): Trains professionals and conducts research in disaster management and mitigation.
- Indian Meteorological Department (IMD): Provides weather forecasts and warnings for cyclones, heatwaves, and floods.
- Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO): Uses satellite data for monitoring disaster-prone areas, mapping flood zones, and providing real-time disaster response.
- National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC): Uses remote sensing technologies to monitor land degradation, deforestation, floods, and other hazards.
- Central Water Commission (CWC): Focuses on water management and flood forecasting, providing important data to manage flood risks in river systems.
These institutions collaborate to combine scientific expertise, technology, and disaster management strategies, providing essential support during emergencies.
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