Back to news
9 Mar 2015 | News

Improving Rapid Response Mapping and Information System

With the increasing frequency of natural disaster events across the globe, the role of space technology has now become integral in disaster risk management and in reducing the impact on lives and properties by providing timely information.

1 min Read

70% Complete

One of the main challenges for countries prone to disaster events, such as Nepal, is lack of real-time data and how to use space-based information.

To address these issues, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), under the framework of SERVIR-Himalaya, collaborated with Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA), Nepal to conduct a day-long workshop on Rapid Response Mapping and Information system on 4 March 2015.

Speaking at the opening session, Dr Eklabya Sharma, ICIMOD’s Director of Programme Operations, highlighted the importance of coordination among various players during disaster events. He said such workshops can contribute in building coordination among different players.

The workshop was successful in bringing together representatives from 20 agencies engaged in disaster risk management to share their experiences and ways for effective utilization of space technology and information in the advent of disaster. During their presentations, JAXA highlighted activities under Sentinel Asia (SA) and its contribution to the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters (IDC), and AIT highlighted the important role space technology can play in supporting disaster management and demonstrated online mapping tool.

Participants discussed on the institutional mechanism for emergency response in Nepal, rapid response mapping activities in ICIMOD, the role of space technology in disaster management, and the Disaster Information Management System (DIMS) developed by ICIMOD under the framework of SERVIR-Himalaya. Participants were introduced to information systems that support disaster risk management. Information needs of various agencies that are directly involved in disaster response and management were also identified.

As a disaster prone country, Nepal has benefited from the IDC and SA in the past. SA is a JAXA initiative which promotes international cooperation to monitor natural disasters in the Asia-Pacific region. It uses earth observation satellites and other space technologies to collect disaster-related information, and shares it over the internet.

Stay current

Stay up to date on what’s happening around the HKH with our most recent publications and find out how you can help by subscribing to our mailing list.

Sign Up

RELATED CONTENTS

Continue exploring this topic

12 Jun 2017 News
Godavari Knowledge Park Virtual Tour Application Launched

The Godavari Knowledge Park virtual tour has been designed to share knowledge demonstrated at the park with a large mass ...

30 Jul 2015 Atmosphere Initiative
Emission study to close data gaps

Emission is a major determinant of air quality, and improving quantification and characterization of emission sources in the Hindu Kush ...

21 Jun 2018 Geospatial solutions
First comprehensive report on glacial lakes in the Hindu Kush Himalaya released

Experts refer to the different types of glacial lakes based on dam type and the process by which the lake ...

16 Aug 2017 News
Strengthening Cooperation with Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The MoU was signed in Thimphu in the presences of officials from BCCI, colleagues from ICIMOD, private sector organizations, and ...

Anchoring Transboundary Cooperation: Vegetation and Land Use Type Map of Kailash Sacred Landscape

Kailash sacred landscape covers more than 31,000 km2 geographical area and is spread across China, India, and Nepal. It exhibits ...

27 Jun 2017 News
ICIMOD Hosts a Borlaug – Ruan Intern Sponsored by the World Food Prize, USA for the Fourth Time in a Row

AN ALL-EXPENSE-PAID, EIGHT-WEEK HANDS-ON EXPERIENCE, the prestigious Borlaug-Ruan International Internship provides exceptional high school students the opportunity to work with ...

28 May 2013 HICAP
Scoping mission to Assam, India for place-based study on Food Security and Gender

A scoping mission with a team from Aaranyak led by Suman Bisht and Sarah Nischalke from ICIMOD visited five villages in Tinsukia ...