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An integrated map delineating natural disaster risks along the Indian coastlines is in advanced stages of preparation.
The first phase of the project to map six of the most vulnerable locations is expected to be completed in 2018. The Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Mapping & Services (MHVM) will help agencies to be better prepared in tackling natural disasters such as storms, cyclones and tsunamis in coastal states.
GIS mappingLaunched in 2014, the project has generated an atlas of 929 maps on a 1:25,000 scale of the inland coast, which is being reviewed by experts. The stretch from Puducherry/Cuddalore to Machilipatnam in Andhra Pradesh, an area of 500 sq km, has been covered by 3D, GIS mapping.
According to Satheesh C Shenoi, Director of the Hyderabad-based Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, tsunami forecast is done at present using mathematical models.
The new initiative will add Geographical Information Systems (GIS), 3D maps and an integrated software for visualisation and analysis, which can give minute details of the topography and wave heights up to 30 metres. Once ready, the project will be able to provide maps and services that mark out the areas of vulnerability, including buildings and assets along the coasts, and aid in disaster management measures, Shenoi told BusinessLine . In addition to tsunamis, early warning on storm surges, which are more frequent, will help the agencies concerned to convey useful information to ports and industries along the coasts.
For the district administrations of coastal states, access to the 3D visualisation platform will be helpful in planning preventive measures ahead of storms and tsunamis.
INCOIS has set up an expert committee which has short-listed half a dozen private vendors with the capability to generate 3D GIS maps and other important data components required. One such firm has done the work for the Puducherry-Machilipatnam stretch, Shenoi said.
In the comprehensive early warning system, earthquake magnitude is the first level. The second is use of mathematical models to detect tsunami waves and possible threat. The third level is the multi-hazard vulnerability maps. India has plans to cover at least six locations, including Kochi and Paradip, under all three levels.
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