Application of satellite derived information for disaster risk reduction: vulnerability assessment for southwest coast of Pakistan

Lubna Rafiq; Thomas Blaschke; Peter Zeil

doi:10.1117/12.864858

25 October 2010 Application of satellite derived information for disaster risk reduction: vulnerability assessment for southwest coast of Pakistan

Lubna Rafiq, Thomas Blaschke, Peter Zeil

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7831, Earth Resources and Environmental Remote Sensing/GIS Applications; 78310S (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.864858
Event: SPIE Remote Sensing, 2010, Toulouse, France

Abstract

The SW-coast of Pakistan is vulnerable to natural disasters, such as cyclones and tsunamis. Lack of spatially referenced information is a major hinder for proper disaster risk management programs in Pakistan, but satellite remote sensing being reliable, fast and spatially referenced information can be used as an important component in various natural disaster risk reduction activities. This study aimed to investigate vulnerability of coastal communities to cyclone and tsunamis based on satellite derived information. It is observed that SPOT-5 is relevant source on threatened features with respect to certain vulnerabilities like road, settlements, infrastructure and used in preparation of hazard zonation and vulnerability maps. Landsat ETM found very useful in demarcation of flood inundated areas. The GIS integrated evaluation of LANDSAT and ASTER GDEM helps identify low lying areas most susceptible to flooding and inundation by cyclone surges and tsunamis. The GIS integrated evaluation of SPOT, LANDSAT and ASTER GDEM data helps identify areas and infrastructure most vulnerable to cyclone surges and tsunami. Additionally, analysis of the vulnerability of critical infrastructures (schools, hospitals) within hazard zones provides indicators for the degree of spatial exposure to disaster. Satellite derived information in conjunction with detailed surveys of hazard prone areas can provide comprehensive vulnerability and risk analysis.

Citation Download Citation

Lubna Rafiq, Thomas Blaschke, and Peter Zeil "Application of satellite derived information for disaster risk reduction: vulnerability assessment for southwest coast of Pakistan", Proc. SPIE 7831, Earth Resources and Environmental Remote Sensing/GIS Applications, 78310S (25 October 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.864858

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