Defining a space-based disaster management system for floods: A case studyfor damage assessment due to 1998 Brahmaputra floods

A proto-type space-based disaster management system (DR IS) has been organi zed with comprehensive database design, space-based near real-time monitori ng/mapping tools, modelling framework, networking solutions and multi-agenc y interfaces. With the appropriate synthesis of these core elements, a syst em-definition of the frame-work of a DMS has been arrived at, in terms of d eveloping a methodology towards damage assessment due to 1998 Brahmaputra f loods. The limited validation experiments carried out in consultation with local level functionaries reveal that the experimental results on damage to agricultural crops due to floods are in conformity with field conditions. Still, there is a gap existing between the estimates arrived at and the est imates derived from conventional methods. It is herein that a concerted eff ort towards achieving absolute accuracy is called for. The conceived DMS ul timately aims at providing a holistic design and development of an informat ion system, mainly to support the information needs for preparedness, predi ction, damage assessment, rehabilitation and research; networking, mainly t o be able to speedily provide access to the information system at any point of time from any place and decision, making, to support speedy and efficie nt decisions being taken, actions being implemented along with feedback mec hanisms.