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

31 Mar 2015 News
Partners Refine Strategy for Upper Indus Basin Initiative

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) organized the first Upper Indus Basin (UIB) Strategic Committee Meeting in Lahore ...

15 Mar 2016 KSL
Thematic Tourism Routes Foster Regional Collaboration and Prosperity

During the 23rd edition of the South Asia’s Tourism and Travel Show (SATTE) 2016 by the United Nations World Tourism Organizations ...

8 Apr 2016 News
Himalayan Monitoring And Assessment Programme (HIMAP) Gathers Momentum

The Comprehensive Assessment of the HKH Region: Actions to Sustain a Global Asset, conducted as part of the larger Hindu ...

8 Sep 2015 News
Communities prepare for floods

As part of its ongoing effort to help communities in the Koshi basin cope with yearly flash floods, ICIMOD’s Koshi ...

29 Mar 2015 News
Workshop on Application of Geospatial Technology in Climate Change Research

  In March 2015, the Cryosphere Initiative of ICIMOD and the Centre for Climate Change & Spatial Information (CCCSI) of Sherubtse ...

24 Nov 2017 Himalica
Mobile App Launched to Promote Spice Garden Tourism in Kangchenjunga Landscape, Nepal

Large cardamom is a high-value export commodity contributing to enhanced income of farmers in Taplejung. However, overdependence of farmers on ...

13 Dec 2016 News
Mountain Festival Held in Pokhara to Mark International Mountain Day

ICIMOD and others marked International Mountain Day 2016 in Pokhara at the third annual Mountain Festival. The Nepal Mountaineering Association ...

14 Oct 2015 News
Expedition to Rikha Samba Glacier in Nepal

The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and its partners for the ...