Application of Remote Sensing and GIS Technology in Natural Disaster Management and Rehabilitation

Cyclone Nargis was a strong tropical cyclone that caused the deadliest natural disaster in the recorded history of Myanmar. Satellite maps show that the storm's damage was concentrated over an area of about 30,000 sq km, stretching along the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Martaban coastlines. This area is home to nearly a quarter of Myanmar’s 57 million people. Satellite images can be used to identify storm damage from multiple vantage points and can help with the planning of disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Images collected before and after Nargis slammed into the Myanmar coastline illustrate just how quickly flood waters rushed and swelled over the network of creeks that meander through the lower Ayeyarwaddy delta. Using pre-impact images and post-impact images, damaged area and risk zone classification can be done integrated with remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technique. It is firmly believed that the outcome result will surely contribute to foresee and target medical and other assistance in both ongoing and emergency relief efforts in Myanmar