Experts share knowledge on early warning system
Experts say Pakistan has witnessed torrential rains between 2010 and 2013 that caused extensive damage.
A file photo of flood victims. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
ISLAMABAD:
National and international experts at a workshop shared their knowledge and experiences to help strengthen flood early warning system and disaster management capacity of Pakistan.
The two-day workshop titled “safe, connected communities against floods through remote sensing and GIS tools”to improve and strengthen the early warning system and management capacity of Pakistan, was organised by the UNESCO in collaboration with SUPARCO.
Experts said Pakistan has witnessed torrential rains between 2010 and 2013 that caused extensive damage to lives, property and infrastructure.
These floods unfolded the institutional impediments and capacity constraints in the existing flood forecasting and early warning system in the country.
To address this issue, the experts said, the UNESCO with the support of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency initiated a major project for the up-gradation of the flood forecasting, flood early warning system and the hazard mapping of the flood plains along the Indus River in 2011.
The project focused on the capacity building of nation’s flood forecasting and early warning infrastructure using state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS technologies for the flood assessment, management and decision support system.
Application of satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies in flood hazard mapping activities along with the application of Web GIS technologies for flood early warning remained the focus of the workshop.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2014.
National and international experts at a workshop shared their knowledge and experiences to help strengthen flood early warning system and disaster management capacity of Pakistan.
The two-day workshop titled “safe, connected communities against floods through remote sensing and GIS tools”to improve and strengthen the early warning system and management capacity of Pakistan, was organised by the UNESCO in collaboration with SUPARCO.
Experts said Pakistan has witnessed torrential rains between 2010 and 2013 that caused extensive damage to lives, property and infrastructure.
These floods unfolded the institutional impediments and capacity constraints in the existing flood forecasting and early warning system in the country.
To address this issue, the experts said, the UNESCO with the support of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency initiated a major project for the up-gradation of the flood forecasting, flood early warning system and the hazard mapping of the flood plains along the Indus River in 2011.
The project focused on the capacity building of nation’s flood forecasting and early warning infrastructure using state-of-the-art remote sensing and GIS technologies for the flood assessment, management and decision support system.
Application of satellite remote sensing and GIS technologies in flood hazard mapping activities along with the application of Web GIS technologies for flood early warning remained the focus of the workshop.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 15th, 2014.