When disaster strikes, every second counts. And so does every decision. In India, floods, earthquakes, cyclones, and landslides are persistent threats that destroy communities and infrastructure. While you can’t prevent such disasters, you sure can predict them and take evasive action, thanks to Geographic Information System (GIS). This technology transforms emergency response and disaster management from reactive scrambling to a proactive strategy powered by predictive insights and data-rich maps.
Among the various disaster management tools available, location intelligence stands out as a transformative solution, harnessing the power of geographic data and remote sensing to come up with the right responses to disasters and natural calamities. So, let’s dive into how GIS in disaster management and location intelligence enable risk assessment and faster emergency responses!
Understanding Disaster Management in India
In India, disaster management is built on four structured pillars designed to minimize damage and facilitate rapid restoration. These stages include:
Mitigation
- Goal – To mitigate the effects and potential consequences of disasters as much as possible.
- Measures – Includes preventive activities like constructing flood defences, improving building codes for earthquakes, and proper land-use planning that avoids high-risk areas.
Preparedness
- Goal – To develop the capacity to respond effectively when disasters strike.
- Measures – Involves establishing early warning systems, emergency plans, creating communication networks, and conducting training and drills for emergency personnel and the public.
Response
- Goal – To provide immediate assistance and relief to those impacted during and after a disaster.
- Measures – The response stage emphasizes quick actions like providing emergency aid, medical support, rescue operations, and relief supplies like food, water, clothing, etc.
Recovery
- Goal – To restore affected communities to normalcy and enhance long-term resilience against future disasters.
- Measures – Involves reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, restoring services, and providing financial and psychological support to victims.
To support these efforts, India has a structured ecosystem at the institutional level. There are three key entities that make up our country’s disaster management framework:
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Being India’s apex body for disaster management, the NDMA was established by the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and is headed by the Prime Minister of India. The act mandates this body to lay down policies, plans, and guidelines for disaster management at the national, state, and district levels.
National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)
Established under an Act of Parliament, the NIDM is a central government entity that focuses on training, research, capacity building, and policy advocacy in disaster risk reduction. Designed to fulfill the nodal responsibilities under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, the NIDM’s primary goal is to build a disaster-resilient India through human resource development and a culture of preparedness and prevention.
State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)
Unlike the previous two entities, SMDAs are apex bodies that operate at the state level and are led by the chief minister as chairperson. These entities coordinate disaster management activities as mandated by the Disaster Management Act, 2005. They also frame state-level action plans and oversee district-level disaster management authorities.
Applications of GIS in Disaster Management
The use of GIS in disaster management spans multiple applications:
- Hazard mapping – GIS systems combine topographical, demographic, and geological data to identify areas vulnerable to earthquakes, floods, wildfires, and other hazards. They also analyze infrastructure layers and update detailed maps with remote sensing data and scenario modelling so emergency teams can prioritize mitigation efforts.
- Evacuation planning – GIS facilitates efficient route optimization and capacity assessment, enabling emergency teams to develop proper evacuation plans for at-risk populations. These systems analyze population densities, terrain, and road networks to designate optimal evacuation routes, safe zones, and transportation needs.
- Resource allocation – GIS in disaster management even optimizes the deployment of supplies, emergency personnel, and relief infrastructure. It integrates various spatial data types like land cover maps, demographic data and satellite imagery for disaster analysis on environment and human activity during or after a disaster.
The role of GIS in disaster management isn’t just limited to the above three. Geoinformatics can be highly instrumental in assessing different disasters and helping you plan countermeasures accordingly. Let’s explore its multifunctional role in each hazard type:
- Floods – GIS strengthens flood management by first mapping floodplains through elevation and satellite data. With the insight generated, authorities can issue timely warnings, prepare evacuation plans, and conduct preventive action for vulnerable communities. And after a flood, GIS helps analyze damage using satellite images and field reports to guide recovery in the most impacted locations.
- Earthquakes – GIS identifies areas prone to seismic activity and aftershocks by consolidating seismic, structural, and geographical data. After an earthquake hits, the systems generate real-time situational maps displaying highly impacted areas, allowing rescue teams to deliver aid and relief.
- Cyclones – GIS uses meteorological and demographic information to forecast the impact and likely path of cyclones, so authorities can plan proper evacuation measures. During and after a cyclone, authorities use live data from systems to map out storm impacts, assess damages, and track changing ground conditions.
Geoinformatics & IT Integration
Geoinformatics in disaster management, a concept that integrates GIS systems with information technology, plays a vital role in improving overall preparedness, response, and recovery. It involves the following components:
- Satellite imagery – This provides high-resolution, real-time visual data of affected locations for accurate mapping and damage assessment during disasters. Through integration with multiple data sources, such as maps and ground sensor measurements, you can gain a better understanding of affected areas. For example, the radar-based Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) was used after the 2001 Gujarat earthquake to map ground displacement. Pre- and post-earthquake images were generated to identify collapsed buildings in cities like Bhuj and Ahmedabad.
- Remote sensing – These technologies collect data about the Earth’s surface with zero physical contact, offering insights into hazard zones, disaster progression, and geographical changes. In India, remote sensing is leveraged through ISRO and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) for all phases of disaster management.
The role of IT in disaster management also represents significant breakthroughs in real-time dashboards and early warning systems. Real-time dashboards are instrumental in compiling geospatial data from multiple sources, providing dynamic updates on resource status, disaster extent, and potential risks that may arise. Early-warning systems also utilize the combined power of IT and GIS in disaster management through predictive modeling, sensor networks, and satellite data. This seamless integration further enhances GIS functions for higher communication and coordination among emergency teams.
Benefits of Using GIS for Disaster Risk Reduction
The benefits of GIS in disaster management and risk reduction are significant in two areas:
Improved decision-making & coordination
Disaster risk reduction with GIS starts by focusing on real-time situational awareness through live, visual information on disaster conditions. For this, GIS integrates satellite imagery, sensors, and social media feeds, and using spatial analysis forecasts potential disaster scenarios. All the data obtained enables swift decision-making and coordination among emergency and relief personnel, further streamlining the distribution of resources, such as medical services, shelters, and emergency supplies.
Furthermore, coordination across roles, municipalities, and jurisdictions is enhanced through GIS dashboards displaying live operational data and damage assessments.
Faster response time & damage minimization
With intelligent and improved decision-making comes faster response times. GIS in disaster management makes this possible through real-time mapping of incidents and damage extent, which not only guides rescue teams but also properly optimizes resource deployment. The system can also highlight blocked or damaged roads, traffic hazards, and potential flood zones, allowing for the creation of safe evacuation and access routes while also shortening rescue times.
Faster response times subsequently minimize damage. The ability of GIS to quickly mobilize resources like medical aid and relief supplies across locations helps reduce the disaster’s overall impact on communities.
India-Focused Case Studies & Success Stories
Let’s dive into some real-world case studies to understand how GIS in disaster management has elevated disaster preparedness in India:
During Kerala floods
Back in 2018, Kerala faced one of the most catastrophic floods, ultimately resulting in lives lost, millions displaced, and infrastructure shattered. However, GIS technology changed the game in the following ways:
- The technology mapped low-lying flood zones, allowing rescue officials to prioritize rescue in the most vulnerable areas.
- Crowdsourced data was geotagged and instantly mapped, thanks to citizens reporting blocked roads and stranded individuals via mobile apps.
- GIS enabled the plotting of medical centers, relief camps, and supply points on dynamic dashboards, allowing for centralized viewing and decision-making.
- Aerial imagery was processed and mapped in real-time thanks to the combined power of drone and GIS integration to track damaged infrastructure and water levels.
During Odisha cyclone
In India, Odisha is a hotspot for cyclones, and there have been at least ten deadly cyclones in the last two decades. However, GIS has been effective in areas of monitoring and responses during and post-cyclone in the following ways:
- Damage assessment – GIS was integrated with satellite remote sensing data to assess damage caused by Cyclone Fani in 2019.
- Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) analysis – Multi-spectral, high-resolution satellite data was used with GIS to track changes in LULC patterns with insights obtained from the 1999 Super Cyclone, Cyclone Titli (2018), and Cyclone Yaas (2021). The LULC analysis helped identify areas requiring attention and coordinate rescue operations.
In locations where natural disasters are common, the importance of being prepared early cannot be overstated. In the end, it’s about saving lives and reducing damage to property. Several Indian smart cities are using Integrated Command and Control Centers (ICCCs) for monitoring natural disasters and public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Examples from other cities include:
- Bhubaneshwar’s investments in disaster preparedness and early warning systems in the face of Cyclone Fani.
- Coimbatore is developing Individual Earthquake Readiness Index (IERI) and Community Earthquake Readiness Index (CERI) tools to identify gaps in individual and collective disaster readiness.
- Nashik’s smart streetlights and the use of bio-CNG in Indore also contribute immensely to urban planning and disaster resilience.
Final Thoughts
GIS in disaster management is no longer an optional solution as it now represents the backbone of modern emergency planning and response. It is a critical enabler for swift, decisive actions to save lives and mitigate infrastructure damage. As India faces increasingly diverse natural and man-made disasters, scaling GIS across rural and urban areas is an absolute necessity.
At Esri India, we support this movement. As part of our India-centric offering, Indo ArcGIS, we provide solutions for disaster response and relief programs to help you combat various disaster types.
Get in touch with us today and take charge of your disaster management efforts!
FAQs
How is GIS used in natural disasters in India?
In India, GIS is imperative for disaster management to assess risks, map hazards, coordinate real-time responses, and analyze damage for recovery efforts. Through integration of geospatial data with various IT systems, GIS provides stakeholders with valuable and actionable insights key to saving lives and property before, during, and after events like floods, cyclones, and earthquakes.
What are some examples of GIS in emergency response?
Hazard and floodplain mapping, wildfire and storm tracking, route optimization, damage assessment post-disaster are some prominent examples of GIS in emergency management and response.
What is the difference between GIS and geoinformatics?
GIS in disaster management represents the tools and tech stack used for analyzing, storing, and visualizing geographic data. On the other hand, geoinformatics is a much broader concept that not only includes GIS, but also IT systems like data science, remote sensing, and spatial data in disaster recovery.
Can GIS help in flood management?
Yes, absolutely. Using GIS, you can map flood-prone areas, simulate flood scenarios, come up with the right evacuation plans, and make swift decisions for flood prevention or mitigation.
How does real-time GIS improve disaster response?
Real-time GIS provides up-to-date situational awareness, allowing for faster resource allocation, enhanced coordination, and better damage assessment, improving disaster response during emergencies.
How can GIS help in disaster preparedness?
GIS in disaster management helps with overall preparedness by identifying risk-prone areas, simulating disaster scenarios, supporting resource allocation, and implementing early warning systems for better community resilience and reduced impact.
What are the steps involved in GIS for disaster management?
GIS is used throughout the four phases of disaster management:
- Mitigation (Before the disaster)
- Preparedness (Before the disaster)
- Response (During the disaster)
- Recovery (After the disaster)
What are the applications of GIS in disaster management?
Common applications of GIS in disaster management include risk mapping, evacuation planning, resource management, damage assessment, visualizing geo-spatial data, etc.
