UNIT 4 INFORMATION MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

Structure

Learning Outcome

Introduction

Role of Infoimation Dissemination in Disaster Management

Need for an Effective Electronic Media

Communication System for Information Management

4.4.1 HAM Technology

4.4.2 Remote Sensing

4.4.3 Earth Observation Programme

4.4.4 Geographical Information System

Conclusion

Key Concepts

References and Further Reading

4.8 Activities

4.0 LEARNING OUTCOME

After reading this Unit, you will be able to:

a Discuss the importance of information dissemination in disaster management

.r Explain the role of electronic media; and

9 Highlight the crucial role played by the different means of communication in managing disasters.

For disaster management to be effective, it is essential that information available on disaster- affected areas is comprehensive, accessible and clear. Adequate and objective information dissemination is a complex exercise. Much depends on the efficiency of the communication medium used for the dissemination of the crucial information. The task is complex, as many factors such as awareness levels of people, availability of information with the agencies involved, use of local technology, access to latest information technology, and training in handling the comm~mication equipment need to be taken note of.

This unit focuses on the role of information management in effective disaster prevention and mitigation. It examines the pertinent aspects of media and information technology, and analyses their importance. It ui~derlines the need to link disaster management activities at all the crucial levels in order to achieve a well-informed and efficient disaster management system, which takes due cognisance of HAM technology, Remote Sensing, Earth Observation Programme and Geographical Information System.

Inforn~atian Motzagement Structure

4.2 ROLE OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATION IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Disasters are both natural and man-made. The root causes of some of the apparent natural disasters may also be certain human activities being carried out in utter disregard of their consequences for the environment. Such natural disasters are also the rehe preventable. Justice P.B. Sawant of the Press Council of India has pointed out that sincc all man-made disasters and some of the natural disasters are preventable, the media could educate and forewarn the people about the consequences of the human actions and operations that may lead to disasters.

More in-depth education on the subject becomes necessary so that the human activities and the natural calamities that they lead to are separated by a certain span of time. In such cases, though the causal connection is direct (as the consequences occur at a distant point of time), the people fail to appreciate the link between the tw9 and continue to indulge in environmental degradation, digging, in turn, a huge grave for 'i;umanity. The connection between human activities and disasters should noi be overlooked. This has also been the central point of Unit 1 of this Course. The floods, droughts and famine situations are, ~nany a time, directly traceable to human activities, while drainage mismanagement, air and water-pollution and global warming are all clearly an outcome of the human misdeeds.

Unthoughtful excavations and destruction of forests are responsible for landslides and mudflows, while according to experts; periodicity of earthcluakes could also increase due to large-scale construction of multi-storey buildings, large dams and also inlpounding large quantities of water in the dams in the seismic zones, The dam failures, dam bursts, mine fires, epidemics, food poisoning, chemical and industrial disasters, nuclear disasters and all accident-related disasters are undoubtedly precipitated due to the handiwork of human beings. The impending occurrence of some natural disasters, whether induced by the human actions or otherwise, can now be known sufficiently in advance, thanks to the develop~nents in science and technology. The media, by communicating the information on causes and impact of disasters to the people and the concerned authorities, sufficiently before the disaster, can enable them to take the necessary steps to prevent and lninimise the loss of life and property.

' 7 5.1,

While the process of disaster management is on, the media could also play the role of telecasting the relief measures that are being talcen and also their monitoring process. The media could hclp in cautioning the disaster-affected or to be affected people about the 'do s and don'ts' in crisis rnanagelnent as well as the importance of preventing rumours, panic and confusion. It could provide information on the pertinence of establishing communication, identifying the most vulnerable spots and focusing attention on the susceptible or disaster-prone areas. It could do this generally by assisting the government authorities, voltlntary organisations and international agencies in reaching out, informing an8 assuring the victims of the assistance and the measures taken for their relief.

During the onslaught of disaster, what is of utmost in~portance is to keep the morale of the people high, create self-confidence in them, prevent panic and maintain order by assuring and making available the necessary help readily and quickly. The media could, in many ways, help in ensuring these conditions. The rescue, relief and rehnbilitation measures neecl an integrated and coordinated approach and for that pulyose all agencies, governmental as well as non- governtnental, have to pool in their resources for efficient, expedient and effective disaster management work on all fronts. The collection of inaterial resources and the enlisting of manpower are as much important as their efficient utilisation.

The depiction of devastation and of human misery through the media, many a time acts as an appeal by itself to the people to come forward for rendering help in various ways. In addition, the specific appeal made for relief through the colurnns and time-slots of the media, brings in sizeable aid in the requisite form. At the same time, it beconles necessary for the media to keep a vigilant watch and report on the anti-social ele~nents that try to take advantage of such situatior~s,

Some disasters like floods, cyclones and droughts have become recurrent features of our lives. The vulnerable spots and sections of the populace also stand identified over the years. Almost always, the worst sufferers are the weaker sections of the society. They are unable to shift from the vulnerable places, because here lie their sources of livelihood and all that they have in life to preserve and protect. They constieutc a vast section of our society, and in nonnal conditions they contribute a sizeable proportion lo our natiolzal wealth. Yet, except in rhe times of disaster, they are rarely remembered and the measures for some kiijd of solution to their plight arc: hardly ever discussed by the media. Tt is time that the media turned the focus of their attention on this aspect also.

The conscientio~zs sections of the national media could contribute significantly towards countering the damaging, exaggerated and negative reporting and propaganda by the foreign media or at times even by some channels of the national media in the event of a disaster. India has witnessed such phenomena in the past. A prompt presentation of the real state of affairs by the national media and the correction of the misrepresentations will go a long way in dispelling the wrong impressions created by the motivated sections of the media, which may otherwise have an adverse effect on the overall disaster management set-up.

.-Qn some occasions in the past, the media have fulfilled their duties in full measure, while on other accasions they have been found wanting. However, if the media have to discharge their role properly in covering disaster events, it isdalso necessary that there is a complete cooperation between the media and the governmental and non-governmental agencies. The extent of coordination and cooperation between them determines the nature, degree and scale of preparation to prevent as well as cope with the disaster situations.

4.3 NEED FOR AN EFFECTIVE ELIEGTRONIC MEDIA

Natural disasters- be il floods, cyclones, earthquakes or fires affect vast areas of our country wid1 recurring frequency every year. While natmal disasters cannot be prevented, their ill- effects can be somewhat reduced by timely action. Adequate and timely relief and rehabilitation operations can also significantly reduce the hardships faced by the people in the aftermath of a natural disaster. This, however, requires a large amount of resources, which can be mobilised in a better and quick manner, if there is an adequate flow of fair and right information.

It is a well-known fact that information is power. With the help of current and accurate info~mation that is also now available promptly, we can lessen the loss of hu~nan life and property in any calamity. Under such circurnstdnces, it is imperative to explore ways to utilise the ?ow of information advantageously. In the era of information teel~nology. where a kind of battle is on for achieving the yuickcst means of dissemination of information, the electronic rnedia have a pivotal role to play. Besides their value as an entertainer par excellence, this form of media also have an important social responsibility. In instances of natural disasters, the media could play the role of an edycator at every stage of the disaster and its aftermath. It can thus guide public opinion dming the time of apy disaster.

I

When the need for disseminatiolt of warning is urgent, the rnedia rnanagers can present fre-sh warning messages interrupting on-going current programmes. It is not possible to print newspapers

Information Management Struct~cre 5 3

on an hourly or half-hourly basis, but is definitely possible to provide an update on the Internet or run graphic scrolls on a television channel. Similarly, announcements about imminent weather can be broadcast on radio at frequent intervals. The warning system should be constantly modified and transformed into more innovative forms.

Moreover, the print media suffer from the problem of making itself accessible. Not only '5 it difficult to make newspapers reach remote areas, but also things become worse as irm nats:ral disasters often cut off rail, road and air access to even areas that are well-connected in rrormal times. In contrast, unless there is a massive dainage to the infrastructure, the people in thc affected areas continue to have access to the electronic media even in the midst of the ~iatural disaster, The electronic media could thus be beneficial in all the stages of disaster rnanngerucnt cycle, namely pre-disaster, during-disaster and post-disaster.' Lct us now locli.; at the role of the electronic media at these three different stages of a disaster.

Pre-disaster Phase

In this phase, electronic media have a vital role to play. As concerned govern~nent departments remain alert with regard u, infori~lation related to forecasting calamities, it is the resyrtilsibility of the media to make public the information that is available with these departments. After getting information from the government departrrients like Meteorological Department, the media (particularly the electronic media) have a prime role in conlmunjcating to the cornn~csn people all the forecasting information through a very simple and communicable language.

Generally, the experts and the officials use phraseology that is not often camprehensible to tlnc comlnon person, but the niedia have the potential to convert the technical jargon into easily understandable language. The inedia are engaged in the business of con~municntion and c?ne of their primne jobs is to communicate effectively. They should translate the tecllnical inforxn:ttion into more understandable non-technical day-to-day parlance. It is important for the media to communicate with the people not merely through regular news bulletins, hut also through special features that aim at dispelling the myths and apprehensions pertaining to a disaster situation.

The media should explain in detail the apprehensions expressed by the experts. The scientific basis behind a disaster alarm should be explained in an in-depth manner. The nlctlia must also highlight the precautionary measures and issue warnings to reduce the impact of the oncoming disaster. By raising these issues, the media could make the goverlzment, NGOs and othcr humanitarian organisations to galvanise their infrastructure and make necessary preparations. In this phase of' disaster management, public broadcasters have the ~nnximurn responsibility, though other media organisations also cannot avoid their social responsibility.

Once a particular area has been hit by a nat~lral disaster, the niedia should be i~tnong the first outside groups that could try tlloving inside the affected area to gauge the i~npact of the disaster. Thereafter, there are a large number of responsibilities that the media should pcsform. The governmeilt alone cannot find out the intensity of damages instantly. Eve!> if it can ascertain the extent of damage in due course, the media could alone convey to the people the enormous impact of the disaster event tluough the images and reports from the affected area.

Quite often, the government, international co~nnlunity and general public majorly depend upor1 the reports of the media. The media should report about the disasters objectively to draw their attention. On seeing the reports in the media, the common people in the other parts of the country can prepare themselves to offer help and display solidarity with the affected people.

54 Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery

- Besides reporting on the extent of the damage in the disaster aftermath, the media should also keep a close vigil on the efficacy of disaster management strategies. Inadequacies and laxities in the relief work, both in terms of the area being tended and the manner in which the programmes are being run need to be highlighted Hy the media.

In this phase, the media must also attempt to.secure information on the vital details of the extent of the disaster, which are not available with the official agencies. Recently, it has also been observed that the media have been interacting with the scientific community for their discussion. shows on technical matters, for example, interviewing notable seismologists and geologists following a major earthquake. .This is a good trend, as it gives teeth to the analytical role of the media in disaster management.

Post-disaster Phase

In the post-disaster phase, there are chances of an outbreak of epidemics after prolonged floods, cyclones and other natural disasters. Media can broadcast programmes involving health specialists to strengthen the preventive and curative measures in the diiaster aftermath. Various preventive steps to avoia epidemics need to be publicised, while information on the steps to be taken by the affected people if they contract the disease need to also be disseminated concurrently.

The electronic media can provide information on the ways to cope with such catastrophes by telecasting discussions and documentaries. It is important to create a national sentiment with regard to the rehabilitation palicies of the government that require massive resources. By giving adequate coverage to the disaster, and also involving experts who can discuss the impact of the disaster in comparative terms, it is possible for the media to build public opinion and generate resources.

.- Rehabilitation becomes a challenge in the aftermath of a devastating catastrophe. At this stage, the media could help the goveri~ment by providing innovative ideas regarding the rehabilitation

: work. The media could also research and publicise innovative rehabilitation strategies uskd in similar situations around the world. The people living in vulnerable areas need to be told to use the $mary precautionary measures like packing the immediate essentials, in case it is possible, and moving out of their houses 011 getting cyclone warning. The media could take Ih8i lead in

' popularising innovative programmes like retrofitting, as well as publicising the pertinence of disaster resistant buildings and the use of similar technology for construction and reconstruction.

In its Report, the High Powered Comnlittee on isa aster Prevention, set up by the Government of India, has noted all the aforementioned factors. It has pointed out that there are no specific devices that .can accurately inform people about natural disasters beforehand. As a result, in most cases, people cannot take necessary preventive measures to face a disaster. But, by generating awareness on the precautionary measures, do s and don'ts and common myths, the electronic media could play a helpful and important role during disasters.

Media groups should not merely see their professional interests while covering the disasters, but should try to project the relevant news in an objective and sensitive manner. We have seen that in a bid to draw the attention of the people, the inedia often presents an exaggerated picture. This tendency needs to be curbed and the inedia must instead educate the public and highlight nothing but the facts. An adequate balance needs be maintained between images of grief and suffering and tl~ose that highlight the rescue and relief operations.

li

The media should try to inculcate a feeling of trust in the minds of the affected people. The Tsunami that struck South Asia in 2004 saw all the major media groups gearing towards relief

Irformation Muncrgement Structure 5 5

management and rehabilitation, Media coverage did witness an overall transfolmation towards the essential functions of objective information dissemination, sensitive intervention, and updi~ted news coverage during that time. These important features that were a part of the transformation are collectively known as Information Management. Another term that has become very important in the context of information management is 'knowledge engineering or marnagemnrr.rrt'. It is emerging as a significant area of information management in many different ways ,such as storing, documenting, cataloguing and retrieving itlfor~nation. It could be of help to all types of organisations, even to the media related organisations.

Knowledge management is all about turning experience ~ ind inforniation into results. The primary 'tools' applied in the practice of knowledge management are organisational dynamics, process engineering and technology. 'These tools have to be used in tandem to streamline and enhance the 'capture' and 'flow' of an organisation's data, information and knowledge, and to deliver it to individuals and groups engaged in accoinplishing specific tasks. Knowledge management is concerned with embracing a diversity of knowledge sources from the database, websites, publications, news groups, employees etc., and cultivating that knowledge where it resides, This is done while capturing the context of knowledge and giving it a more comprehensive meaning through its relatirin to other information in the organisa.tion. Building a knowlzcige basc, thus, could go a long way in analysing disasters and looking for solutions.

4.4 COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR INFORMATION ,MANAGEMENT

Technological advance~ments in the field of communication have made the concept of global village a reality. A proper communication system can be of enormous use in effective disaster management. It can be instnlmental in generation of awareness and dissemination of i~~formation during disaster preparedness and response. The use of modern comn~unication is of relevance: not only to disaster managers, but also to the community workers at grass roots levels. Modern communication also comes in the form of low-cost options such as HAM radios. Let us now discuss some of the effective advances in cornrnunication technology:

4.4.1 WAM Technology

Whether it is the Cyclone hit Orissa or Bhopal after the Gas Tragedy or South Asia after Tsunami, the HAM Radios have been the lifeline for millions of disaster stricken people. The first to set up emergency communication iystems in Cyclone ravaged Orissa; HAM Radios have'been of immense functional use in national calamities. From the Bhopal Gas Tragedy 511

1984 to the Latur Earthquake in 1993, or the landslide in Malpa that hit thc An~aritnlh Y:llt.a in 1996, they have proved to be a great help.

It is a fact that within hours of being illformed about the Cyclone in 1999, thc teams of HAM operators rushed from Hyderabad, Bangalore and Calcutta to the affected districts of Orissa, In fact, many HAM operators actually trekked several kilometers just to track down people. Apart from helping people to connect with each other, the HAM operators averted two major air disasters at the Bhubaneshwar airport. With the Air Traffic Corltrols (ATCs) down, it became the responsibility of the HAM operators lo ensure that the planes landed safely and they did their job well.

The Government of India has been funding the National Institute of Amateur Radio (NEAII) for developing the necessary infrastructure. Considering the important role played by NIAR in the recent disasters, it is suggested that HAM systems may be made a part of regular disaster management exercise. It should also be made an important communication requirement. Alongsick

i

56 . Rehnbilitation, Recorzstrucrion and Recove>y

1 HAM equipment, even a basic activated wireless system could be of great help in disaster warning dissemination. A small coastal village in Pondicherry could save its people with the help of simple loudspeak8rs when the Tsunami struck their land in 2004.

4.4.2 Remote Sensing

Space technology plays a crucial role in efficient mitigation of disasters. It helps to:

es Minimise the potential ~isks by developing early warning strategies

cs Prepare and implement developmental plans

@ Mobilise resources' inclurling communication and tele-medical services; and

Assist in rehabilitation and post-disaster reconstruction.

The Remote Sensing applications, as we have read in Unit 2 of this Course, help in evolving a suitable strategy for disastqr preparedness and ail operatiotlal framework for disaster monitoring, assessinent and mitigation. It is also of help in identifying gaps and recommending appropriate strategies for disaster mitigation v i s -h i s the new devslop~nents in space and ground segments. In more ways than one, Remote Sensing is ideally suited for disaster managenrent. First of ,211,

, it provides a database from which the evidence left behind by past disasters could be interpreted. This combined with other information could be used to derive at hazard maps, indicating the areas that are potentially dangerous,

The Indian Institute of Reinote Sensing (IIRS) has more than three decades of experience in resource identification, analysis and operationalisation of Remote Sensing. Its basic mandate to train scientific workers has effectively resulted in trained manpower in satellite data utilisation. The Institute 'possesses the needed technological background and organisational maturity to dedicate itself to the cause of disaster management. .

b

The use of Remote Sensing in disaster managemellt i s increasing. Pre-disaster uses include risk analysis and mapping, disaster warning, cyclone tracking, flood monitoring and assessment, estimation of crop and forestry dannages, and monitoring of land-use changes in the aftennatll of a disaster. MeteorologicaI satellites monitor weather patterns, detect and track storm systems, and keep a track of frosts and floods. Remote Sensing and GIS technologies hold the potential of effective support in the events of cyclones, floods, droughts, forest fires etc. Research work is on to enhance the capabilities of these technologies in order to cope with the earthcluake and la~rdslide situations in the future.

The disasters may affect large areas and no other tool than Remote Sensing would provide a matching spatial coverage. Remote Sensing also allows for the monitoiing of the event during the time of occurrence while the disaster forces are in full swing. The impact and departure of the disaster event leaves behind a trail of mass devastation. Remote Sensing could assist in damage assessment and aftermath monitoring, providing a quantitative base for relief operations.

Frequent 6loud cover is the primary hindrance to visibility over the affected areas. The Aerial Photography, as we mentioned in Unit 3, provides an ideal solution to acquire data at a short notice and use of sensors such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) that has a capability for cloud penetration. The aerial data so collected also needs to be processed urgently to support the relief operations through an lntegrated GIs Database. Diagram 4.1 gives a broad view of the way the data are collected, processed and disseminated.

.. Iv.j5rmation Managentenr Structure

Satellite Digital Tabular Maps Data Data -

-..1IpIc

= s E s

/

4 4 Y b ?

Digitising Scanning Data Transfer Key Coding

4 A a Data Capture

v Generalisation

V Edge-matching

B Layering

Integrated GIs Database

Source: Mano,j K. Arora, 2003, "Role of Remote Sensing in Disaster Risk Reduction" in Pardeep Sahni and Madhavi Malalgoda Ariyabandu (Eds.), Disnster Risk Reductiorz in Soutlz Asiu, Prentice-Hall of India, New Delhi.

4.4.3 Earth Observation Programme

India has its own Eath Observatioll Programme and expertise is built-up in a wide variety of Remote Sensing applications. The deveioptnent of a Remore Sensing-based disaster management programme is especially important for India for several reasons. India has the second largest population in the world, which is a cause of a dramatic increase in the country's vulnerability to natural disasters. In order to effectively utilise Remote Sensing for natural disaster reduction in India, it is equally important to set up a network of organisalions deaIing with this problem, in order to develop techniques specifically adapted to the regional situation. The stakeholders in disaster management are now utilising these techniques at various institutional levels.

t - Satellite communication capabilities, fixed and mobile, we vital for effective communication, especially in data collection, distress alerting, position location and coordination o f relief operations in the field. Satellite data could be used to map the new situation and update the existing data used for reconstruction in an area. In addition, search and rescue satellites provide capabilities such as position determination facilities onboard, which could be useful in a variety of land, sea

5 8 Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery

and air distress situations. Space borne platforms have demonstrated their capability in efficient disaster management. While communication satellites help in disaster warning, relief mobilisation and tele-medicine support.

Earth observation satellites have established their unique capability to continuously monitor land and water environment, forest fires, floods, atmospheric disturbances etc., in order to provide advance warning of major hazards. Thus, earth observation satellites provide basic support in pre-disaster preparedness programmes, disaster response and monitoring activities as well as post-disaster reconstruction. Indian satellites, the Indian Remote Satellite (IHS) series and Indian National Satellite (INSAT) series are currently being used for obtaining information necessary for disaster management, communication, disaster warning, and search and,rescue activities. The WiFS sensor on-board the IRS-1C and IRS -ID is of special significance to ' disaster monitoring due to its wide swath and revisit period of 5 days,

INSAT data collection systems could be made use of for monitoring disaster related parameters in critical locations. Data related to meteorological, hydrological and environmental factors, as well as events such as earthquakes, floods, forest fires etc., could be monitored to provide alert signals. Beginning from INSAT-2A, there is also a search and rescue transponder in the INSAT series, which provides real time relay of distress signals from within the footprint of the antenna. With a constellation of both INSAT and IRS series of satellites, India has been able to develop operational ~nechanisms for disaster warning, monitoring and mitigation, especially in case of cyclones and droughts. The vast capabilities of communication satellites are available for timely dissemination of early warning and real time coordination of relief operations. The advent of Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) and Ultra Small Aperture Terminals (USAT) have enhanced the capability further by offering low cost and viable technological solutions towards management and mitigation of disasters.

Satellite images give a synoptic overview and provide very useful geomorphologic inforination, for a wide range of scales, from an entire overview of continents to details of a few meters. Secondly, many types of disasters, such as floods, droughts, cyclones, volcanic eruptions etc., will have certain precursors. Satellites can be used to detect the early stages of these events as anomalies in time series, Images are available at regufar short time intervals, and can be used for the prediction of both rapid and slow onset disasters. When a disaster occurs, the speed of information collection from satellites and the possibility of information dissemination with a matching swiftness, thus, inake it possible to lnonitor the occurrence of the disaster.

While geo-stationary satellites provide continuous, synoptic observations over large areas (like continuous weather watch, including cyclone monitoring capabilities), low earth orbiting satellites . - have the advantage of providing much higher resolution imageries, even though at a low temporal frequency. Satellite communication capabilities - fixed, mobile, personalised are vital in a large number of disaster inanagement situations, especially in data collection, distress alerts, position location and coordinating actual relief operations in the field. In addition, search and rescue satellites provide capabiliries such as position determination facilities on-board, which could be useful in a variety of land, sea and air distress situations.

, Satellites are particularly suited to delivering locale specific disaster wanling communicatiooc to those entities/groups/persons located in remote, rural and underdeveloped areas, and providing communication support for administrative actions towards emergency preparedness. For instance, , the existence of satellite-based surveillance system to track the evolution of cyclonic storn~ in j the 1990 Andhra Cyclone enabled the authorities to evacuate 60,000 people to safe shelters. :

The death toll during this period was limited to 1000, as coxnpared to 20,000 killed in an earlier Cyclone in 1977. This positive development has been made possible through satellite-based : weather forecasts and advance warnings of severe weather. Guch forecasts help in minimising

Inforrmatio Management Structure 59

the loss of life and other damages, therby facilitating emergency operations, relief and rehabilitation. This example of hazard,reduction effort clearly demonstrates how a focused application of available technologies can significantly reduce the disaster proportion of natural hazards.

Thus, a combination of Remote Sensing, lneteorological satellites, search and rescue satellites, as well as communication and weather satellites at geo-stationary orbits provide appropriate information for effective disaster management. Disaster management system, which involves both short- and long-term strategies, must integrate the functions related to disaster mitigation prior to the onset of disasters and implement the relief operations once the unavoidable extreme disasters occur. Efficient delivery and coordination of disaster relief measures is equally important to ensure amelioration of the affected population and areas.

In recent years, considerable information has been gathered on the evolution and characteristics of various disasters including floods, earthquakes, cyclones, droughts, landslides etc., through satellite Rernote Sensing. data have been collected on India's varied geograpl~ical, geological and climatic conditions. The country has faced major disasters like cyclorles in the coastal regions of the South, floods in the river valleys of Ganges, Yamuna, Brahmaputra, Godavnri, Krishna etc., earthquakes in the Himalayas, Kutch, North-Eastern regions, Bhuj and Latur, landslides in the Sub-Himalayan regions, and droughts in the major arid and semi-arid tracts of CentralISouthern regions.

Information has also been garnered on the major diseases like Malaria/Encephalitis in Delhi, Plague in Surat, catastrophes like the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, Building Collapse in Mumbai, Floods ,

in Hyderabad and Chennai etc, The most important application of satellites in disaster management lies in detecting, providing and delivering early warnings using earth observation and communication capabilities offered by various on-board sensors of the satellites. ~ o t h earth observation and commuriication satellites play an important role in providing:

e Disaster alerts

r, Location of the disaster-stricken area

e Continued, accurate and timely monitoring as well as assessment of the cm-rent status of damage in post-disaster situation

r, Efficient delivery of aid; and

B Aid coordination with the Central Relief Management Agency.

4.4.4 Geographical Illformation System

Geographical Information System (GIs) software uses geographical and computer-generated maps as an interface for integrating and accessing massive amounts of location-based information. This unique chasactcristic of GIS makes it an effective tool in the field of disaster response and preparedness. It can be used for scientific investigations, resource management, disaster and development planning. For example, a GIS might allow emergency planners to easily

! calculate emergency response times in the event of a natural disaster, or a GIs might be used for locating wetlands that need protection from pollution.

GIs application offers nulnerous advantages for disaster managenlent system in various areas such as:

. Q Disaster Response

Rehabilitation, Heconutructio~t aitd Recover~l

Emergency Declaration

@ Quick Response

@ Continued Response

@ Continued Surveillance /Monitoring

GIS allows public safety personnel to effectively plan for emergency response, determine mitigation priorities, analyse historical events, and predict future events. GIS could also be used to get critical information to emergency responders upon dispatch or while en route to an incident l o assist in tactical planning. It also enables international agency staff to integrate data for planning and implementation purposes. Analysis of geographic features with a GI§ allows the analyst to view new patterns, trends and relationships that were not clearly evident in the absence of visualisation of the data, especially in the case of a disaster.

GIS can also be used to get critical information about a humanitarian crisis to appropl<ate response agencies in a coordinated and efficient manner. Once in the field. the coordinatio~~ can continue as new data can be added and disseminated via wireless applications and Internet! Intranet connectivity. GIS applications are appropriate tools for endeavours such as geo-spatial data, infrastructure creation, geo-infsnnatics capacity building, geo-chemical mapping of the country, and mapping of priority sectors.

We may conclude by stating that since all the man-made disasters and sorne of the natural disasters such as floods and droughts are preventable, the media can educate and forewarn the people about the consequences of not living in harmony with the natural environment. Print media have played an important role in this regard for a long time, and now electronic media have found easier and quicker means of reaching out to the public at large for a wider coverage. Similarly, on the communication front, the electronic revolution has made available modern technologjl to aid the disaster management sector.

HAM Radios have played a crucial role in the management of recent disasters and should continue to do so in future. Emerging information technologies in the area of Remote Sensing, Earth Observation Programme and Geographical Infornlation System offer immense pote~miiill for efficient disaster management that needs to be urgently harnessed. The concept of knoa/lciigi: management is an emerging field, which is soon catching up as an importa~lt tool of information management for disaster mitigation. This Unit discussed these aspects in some detail. . .

4.6 KEY CONCEPTS -- Mass Media

It is a comprehensive concept involving print, visual, audio-visual and electronic techniques. a(; well as all the other tools and processes for dissemination of information. Mass Media could play an effective role in disaster situations if it is transparent, effective, unbiased, sensitive 'tnd quick.

Emergency Communication

.There is nornlally an elaborate 'arrangement of info~mation dissemination in the event of a disaster. ?is the systematic communication channels fail in the event of disasters, eInergency

Inforination Mnrtngement Structure 61

techniques for dissemination of information are resorted to. These include HAM radio - the Amateur Radio Emergency Communications. HAMS provide a high quality voluntary Radio comn~unication service resource for emergency. Other means of emergency communicalion include the wireless system and various local nleasures such as beating of drums and loudspeaker announcenlents to meet emergency situations if other conventional means of communication such as radio, television and telephone fail.

Information Tecltlraology

The growth of information technology has revolutionised the concepts of information dissemination. All information is now available at the click of the button. Various portals and websites containing loads uf infolamation on different areas have flooded the Internet. Many government departments now have their area specific websites that can be accessed by the citizens. Electronic governance or e-governance has become the new buzzword. New trends in information technology are striving to bring the governors and the governed closer to each other in order to bring in efficiency, transparency and effectiveness in the management of resources in normal as well as crisis situations.

4.4 REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING

Carter, W. Nick, 199 1, Disaster Marzage~nrnt: A Disaster M a r ~ a g e r ' ~ ~ Hartdbook, Asian Development Bank, Manila.

Gupta, Harsh K, 2003, Disuster Manugement, University Press, Hyderabad.

Kurian, John and Reeba Mary Abraham, 3999,"Information Management and. Knowledge Engineering in Disaster Management", Paper Presented at the Internotional Corzference on Disaster Managernent: Cooperutivt! Networkilig in South Asia, New Delhi, Nov 28-304

Prakash, Indu, 1994, Llisuster Mnnugemertt, Rashtriya Pmhari Prakashan, New DeMi.

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Websites:

www.gis.com

www.esa,int/esaEO

www.terraserver.con1

www.~lrsa.gov.in

www.asors.org

www.remotesensina.org -

62 Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery

I) Visit the newspaper stands in your nearby market or try to go through the recent newspapers in your local library. Prepare a list of the newspapers, magazines and other publications that inform you about disaster related issues.

2) On the basis of Activity One, go through the newspapers1 magazines of a single day and list the number of news items that you find related to natural and man-made disasters. From this list, identify the number and kinds of disasters covered by the newspapers or magazines for that day.

3) Find out about the nature of the disaster to which your area is most vulnerable. Trace the chain of disaster forecast, warning and dissemination of information related to that disaster in your area.

4) On the basis of Activity Three, prepare a plan outline on how the information related to that disaster could be made available to the maximum number of people in the minimum possible time.