GIS for Cyclone Disaster Management in Bangladesh

Abstract

This paper describes the preliminary development of a prototype Response Estimation System for Cyclones Under Emergency (RESCUE), a GIS-based aid intended for disaster management personnel involved with cyclone response in Bangladesh. Wind speed and surge models are incorporated into the system. It is expected that with a graphical display of the probable distribution of the effects of a storm, better response can be planned in the face of lack of actual damage reports from the affected areas. When a large base of reliable damage data becomes available, damage ratio as a function of wind speed and surge heights may also be established to give a more direct understanding of aid requirements. The GIS can also help identify risk areas and plan long-term measures for disaster management. As an example an exercise for optimally locating storage facilities for relief goods is described.