Space technology for improving hazard mapping in Sri Lanka

Background

The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) of the Ministry of Disaster Management (Sri Lanka) has coordinated hazard mapping activities with the funding support of UNDP since 2008. Under this program four major hazard mapping projects were launched which covered coastal, landslides, cyclone and drought hazards. The projects were implemented by relevant technical agencies and universities. While two projects are already completed, other projects will be completed in 2012. Flood hazard mapping was not launched, although the Department of Irrigation has mapped several river basins. Urban floods areas are mapped by Radar satellites to identify pockets of frequently flooding areas.

Objectives and topics

Flood hazard mapping
Flood is the most frequent disaster experienced in Sri Lanka and more likely affects more than 50 % of the country. Flood mapping by ground verification and by satellite observation has been conducted over the last few years. However, flood modelling was not conducted as research studies covering small geographical area. Participants will therefore be introduced to flood risk modelling and hazard mapping techniques.

Coastal hazard mapping
The next most important area of hazards are coastal hazards. Coastal hazard mapping and modelling techniques will be delivered in this session in the form of theory and hands-on sessions. An objective of this module is also to expose participants to the area of modelling coastal hazards.