WCDM – Day 2
By Ratnajyoti Dutta
DEHRADUN, 29 Nov: In sync with its special coverage of the Sixth Edition of the World Congress on Disaster Management (WCDM), Garhwal Post brings an exclusive interview with Dr Priyadarsan Patra, a computer science expert, on the ‘Role of Technology in Disaster Management’.
Patra earned a doctorate in computer sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. He also did an MS from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a BEng from the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.
Currently, Dr Patra is the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Dehradun-based DIT University.
Some excerpts from the interview:
What are the technological challenges of Disaster Management in a Himalayan state like Uttarakhand?
Our young Himalayan region, especially in Uttarakhand and Himachal, is prone to natural disasters, including floods, quakes, landslides, and debris flows. Looking at Disaster Prevention, Preparedness and Response holistically, we need to consider pandemics along with physical and climatic disasters. To tackle these hazards, we must invest in and deploy appropriate Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). There are several components to this, starting from investigative research to building the technology-infused prediction, sensing, communication, command, and control system. While a holistic integrated system may appear very daunting, that can be tacked through divide and conquer (i.e., proper subproblems and systematic piecemeal deployment), this can lead to the additional advantages of cross-leverage in ‘different disasters’, integrative robustness, and higher quality at moderate cost.
What are your suggestions to solve the technology challenge?
The complex terrain of the Himalayas poses challenges in understanding (and predicting) the hydrological and seismic processes that lead to floods and debris flows as well as quakes. Research needs to focus on developing better and faster models along with deeper sensor fusion. We need to identify and characterise the debris flow source areas.
Develop early warning systems– robust, accurate, and timely– to mitigate the impact of these physical disasters or disease outbreaks. In India, the states of Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh have developed commendable early warning systems.
R&D needs to focus on improving the coordination and response capabilities of the authorities, including developing strategies for evacuation, rescue, and relief operations. We should create a state-level or “national guard” system of effective volunteers throughout and provide disaster preparedness training as well among the civilian population.
Research is needed to accurately assess socio-economic impacts and help develop strategies to mitigate them.
Drones, ham radios, satellite communication, and cloud-based CCC (communication-command-coordination) systems aided by the ever-expanding social media. Educational institutes and health & human services need to take an early part in developing and maintaining such a cyber-socio-physical system.
Any policy suggestions you have for the State in this context?
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, adopted by the UN in 2015, is the most widely recognised policy for reducing the impact of disasters on communities, economies, and ecosystems. This should be adopted and adapted to Uttarakhand. States like Odisha that have developed effective Early Warning Systems (EWS) for floods and cyclones can be emulated. EWS for landslides in hilly areas is much needed.
How to achieve a balance between ecology and economy?
There is a fine balance to be struck between economy and convenience vis-à-vis ecological impact. Some experts and scientists have developed the notion of a “Gross Environmental Product” to counterbalance the traditional GDP considerations. Measurement and valuation of ecological assets is a critical first step.
What needs to be done in Uttarakhand to promote Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) as part of climate change initiatives?
Uttarakhand should invest in research and deployment of effective CPS – borrowing from successful implementations elsewhere nationally and internationally – along with regular testing, training, and dissemination. Train and keep a reserve force of “citizen guards” who can be rapidly deployed during emergencies.
- Cyber-physical Systems (CPS) can be used to remotely monitor critical infrastructure in hilly areas, such as dams, bridges, and roads. Sensors can be used to collect data on the condition and integrity of these structures to identify any potential problems and schedule timely repairs.
- Hilly areas often face constraints in terms of resources like water and energy. CPS can be utilised to monitor and optimise the usage of these resources especially at the time of disaster.
- CPS can be used to develop systems that can automatically coordinate the response of different agencies, such as the police, fire department, and medical services. CPS can also be used to track the location of first responders and provide them with real-time information on the situation.
- Drones with infrared and other sensing/imaging devices can be used for rescue and infrastructure monitoring in inaccessible terrains, and to deliver critical supplies such as medicine.
- Early warning systems can use sensors to monitor the environment and collect data on weather patterns, soil saturation, ground movement, disease incidence in remote/hilly areas, and other factors that could lead to a disaster. These systems can provide real-time data, enabling authorities to issue timely warnings and evacuate affected areas, or reach the (often-limited) special/emergency services to those that are most likely to be hit.
- Weather conditions in hilly areas can be unpredictable, leading to natural disasters such as flash floods, cloud bursts, and heavy snowfall. CPS can integrate weather monitoring systems with real-time data collection and analysis and alerts. We can learn from techniques used in war-ravaged regions around the world in rapidly creating autonomous networks to keep communication alive.
- Micro-hydropower development can provide energy resilience to our hills in Uttarakhand.
Global Experience of Technology Intervention for Disaster Management
Japan’s Earthquake Early Warning system relies on a dense network of seismometers and uses real-time data analysis to provide warnings seconds to minutes before the seismic waves reach populated areas.
The United States utilises Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to create detailed spatial databases for disaster-prone areas. Remote sensing through satellites and drones helps monitor changes in topography, land use, and infrastructure. FEMA in the United States provides the FEMA app, which delivers real-time alerts and information on safety tips, and how to locate emergency shelters.
Satellite communication in India and social media such as Twitter in the US (as used during Hurricane Harvey) have played a crucial role in disseminating information for mitigation.
South Korea uses drones in its Integrated Public Alert and Warning Systems (IPAWS) to rapidly assess, respond to, and monitor disaster-affected areas, on the other hand, India’s IPAWS is designed to send alerts through multiple channels, including mobile phones, radio, and television, ensuring that widely distributed population receives timely disaster warnings.
Some countries employ machine learning to analyse historical data, weather patterns, and geological information for predictive modelling of disasters, aiding in early preparedness.
