Roadmap for Answer Writing

Introduction

• Briefly introduce GIS (Geographic Information Systems) as a technology used for capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geospatial data related to Earth’s surface.
• Mention how the increasing frequency and complexity of natural disasters make GIS an essential tool for disaster management.

Main Body

1. Planning & Risk Assessment
   • Hazard Mapping and Risk Assessment: Explain how GIS can be used to create maps that identify disaster-prone areas (floods, earthquakes, cyclones, etc.), enabling better planning and risk mitigation.
     • Example: Kerala uses GIS technology to map flood-prone regions, assisting in anticipatory planning for flooding events.
   • Critical Facility Mapping: Discuss how GIS can be employed to identify locations of critical infrastructure like hospitals, evacuation routes, and shelters. This enables better resource allocation during disasters.
     • Example: During the COVID-19 pandemic, GIS helped in identifying locations for testing and vaccination centers.
2. Mitigation
   • Spatial Representation and Visualization: GIS allows the creation of detailed spatial representations, including 3D models of geographic areas, to visualize disaster impacts and plan accordingly.
     • Example: Himachal Pradesh used GIS to assess the impact of earthquakes on infrastructure.
   • Data Integration for Risk Analysis: Explain how GIS integrates data from various sources (satellite imagery, weather data, and population density) to assess disaster risks comprehensively.
     • Example: In the Bay of Bengal, GIS is used to track cyclones and analyze their potential impact on coastal regions.
3. Response
   • Real-time Tracking and Monitoring: Explain how GIS can be used for real-time monitoring during emergencies, helping authorities track the disaster’s progress and respond more efficiently.
     • Example: During the Uttarakhand floods, GIS was used to track damage and facilitate the emergency response.
   • Efficient Relief Distribution: Discuss how GIS helps in ensuring the efficient distribution of relief resources by identifying the most affected areas and prioritizing aid distribution.
     • Example: Cyclone Phailin in Odisha: GIS was instrumental in optimizing the distribution of relief resources.

Conclusion

• Summarize the importance of GIS in disaster planning, mitigation, and response strategies in India.
• Emphasize the need for better integration of GIS in national and regional disaster management frameworks to enhance preparedness and response capabilities.

Relevant Facts

1. Kerala Flood Mapping (Risk Assessment): Kerala uses GIS technology for flood hazard mapping to predict and plan for flooding events.
2. COVID-19 Mapping (Critical Facilities): GIS was pivotal for identifying and mapping testing centers and vaccination sites across India.
3. Himachal Pradesh Earthquake Vulnerability (Spatial Representation): GIS was used to analyze potential earthquake vulnerabilities in Himachal Pradesh, informing infrastructure planning.
4. Bay of Bengal Cyclone Tracking (Data Integration): GIS is utilized in the Bay of Bengal to track cyclones and assess their impact on coastal regions, helping in early warning and evacuation planning.
5. Uttarakhand Floods (Real-time Monitoring): GIS was used to monitor damage during the Uttarakhand floods and aid in decision-making for emergency response.
6. Cyclone Phailin Relief Distribution (Efficient Relief): GIS was crucial in prioritizing relief efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Phailin, ensuring aid reached the most affected areas.