Isro's disaster management programme

In a bid to contribute to the country’s efforts in efficient management of natural disasters, Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has evolved a comprehensive space-based Disaster Management Support (DMS) Programme.

Isro’s effort came at a time when Tamil Nadu was battered by natural disaster in the form of unprecedented rain and flood. A senior official told Deccan Herald on Monday that the proposed DMS programme addresses disasters such as flood, cyclone, drought, forest fire, landslide and earthquake.

According to him, earth observation satellites together with meteorological and communication satellites and aerial survey system form the base for providing timely support and services for disaster management.

To support the total cycle of disaster/emergency management for the country, in near real time, the database creation is addressed through National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM), a GIS-based repository of data.

NDEM is envisaged to have core data, hazard-specific data, and dynamic data in spatial form as well as textual form. The database enables development of decision support system in the form of customised user interfaces with necessary security mechanisms.

Explaining about the highlights of NDEM, the Isro official said that exclusive NDEM facility is established at Shadnagar in a secured environment with necessary computer infrastructure.