7. USING CURRENT AND FUTURE REMOTE SENSING SYSTEMS
IN NATURAL HAZARDS MANAGEMENT
2.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
55
The overall concept of natural hazard encompasses the estimation of the
risks a priori, the development and implementation of techniques to mitigate
the possible effects, the detection and monitoring of catastrophic events as
they unfold, and the management of the disaster after the fact. The initiatives
or activities that can take place in each of these phases, and in particular the
role of remote sensing during these various phases, are quite different:
Increasing preparedness: the goal is to minimize the effects of a
hypothetical hazard by taking appropriate precautionary actions. Remote
sensing can be useful to map high-risk areas for different types of
disasters and generate information which, in turn, can be used to
reinforce infrastructures or target populations with educational
programs. Other activities requiring information include the planning for
efficient responses, increasing public awareness of danger, drafting
evacuation plans, etc.
Issuing early warnings: the objective is to limit the impact of disasters
by warning the populations concerned of an impending event. For
instance, geosynchronous meteorological satellites can be used to
provide warnings for weather related disasters. Such systems could be
expanded to deliver flood warnings (possibly in conjunction with rainfall
and stream level measurements).
Monitoring hazards in real time: The purpose is to determine the current
status of the event and foresee its likely evolution in time and space.
Remote sensing can be helpful in managing crises by providing up-todate reliable information on what is happening.
Assessing the damage: Once the disaster is over, it is necessary to
evaluate the damages to the populations and properties, to
infrastructures, to various economic sectors, as well as to natural
resources. Properly assessing the situation is critical to detect possible
unstable conditions that may create further damages. Optical and
microwave sensors have been used to assess the damage of forest fires,
floods, etc.
Providing relief: Remote sensing can also be very useful in providing
information to plan rescue and rehabilitation operations and to bring the
situation back to normal as soon as possible. International organizations
and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide support to
communities affected by disasters would be natural customers for this
type of information.
IN NATURAL HAZARDS MANAGEMENT
2.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND
INFORMATION REQUIREMENTS
55
The overall concept of natural hazard encompasses the estimation of the
risks a priori, the development and implementation of techniques to mitigate
the possible effects, the detection and monitoring of catastrophic events as
they unfold, and the management of the disaster after the fact. The initiatives
or activities that can take place in each of these phases, and in particular the
role of remote sensing during these various phases, are quite different:
Increasing preparedness: the goal is to minimize the effects of a
hypothetical hazard by taking appropriate precautionary actions. Remote
sensing can be useful to map high-risk areas for different types of
disasters and generate information which, in turn, can be used to
reinforce infrastructures or target populations with educational
programs. Other activities requiring information include the planning for
efficient responses, increasing public awareness of danger, drafting
evacuation plans, etc.
Issuing early warnings: the objective is to limit the impact of disasters
by warning the populations concerned of an impending event. For
instance, geosynchronous meteorological satellites can be used to
provide warnings for weather related disasters. Such systems could be
expanded to deliver flood warnings (possibly in conjunction with rainfall
and stream level measurements).
Monitoring hazards in real time: The purpose is to determine the current
status of the event and foresee its likely evolution in time and space.
Remote sensing can be helpful in managing crises by providing up-todate reliable information on what is happening.
Assessing the damage: Once the disaster is over, it is necessary to
evaluate the damages to the populations and properties, to
infrastructures, to various economic sectors, as well as to natural
resources. Properly assessing the situation is critical to detect possible
unstable conditions that may create further damages. Optical and
microwave sensors have been used to assess the damage of forest fires,
floods, etc.
Providing relief: Remote sensing can also be very useful in providing
information to plan rescue and rehabilitation operations and to bring the
situation back to normal as soon as possible. International organizations
and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that provide support to
communities affected by disasters would be natural customers for this
type of information.