Information Network for Natural Disaster Mitigation and Recovery in India

A Trump Card in Disaster Planning: Full Use of Information Network

Principal Investigator

- Prof.
  MURAI Jun
  Faculty of Environment and Information Studies, Keio University

ODA Recipient Country

India

Research Institutions in Japan

Keio University / The University of Tokyo

Research Institutions in Counterpart Country

Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IITH), etc.

Adoption fiscal year

FY 2009

Research Period

5 Years

Overview of the Research Project

Meteorological and earthquake data are collected continuously and shared via a global network
The use of data in the event of a natural disaster has long been an issue of crucial importance worldwide. The data is used to reduce the extent of damage by promoting preparedness in advance against hazard, identifying early signs and indications of impending disasters, determining the situation immediately after a disaster has occurred, ensuring prompt and appropriate resource allocation during relief operations and so on. However, an effective infrastructure for the use of such data has not yet established. The goal of this project is to use Japan and India, countries that are beset by natural disasters, as examples to establish an infrastructure for ongoing collection and analysis of weather hazard and earthquake data utilizing global information network, and to develop the communication and other technical infrastructures for use in an emergency.

Constructing a database and making preparations for utilization of the information
The project will develop a database as a platform to integrate the data acquired from observation networks and other sources. As well as being used for research of hazard potentials, hazard intensities and vulnerability against hazards, the database will contribute to disaster preparedness by becoming the core of an information network that can respond immediately in time of disaster. It will also be used for building links with governmental agencies and other entities, and for educating and raising disaster awareness in the population through outreach activities, contributing to mitigation of damage when a disaster occurs.

Photo gallery

Medical Examination at the Pediatric Ward

A weather sensor developed in Japan installed at IITH in Hyderabad, linking with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Similar sensors will be installed in surrounding regions, acquiring data from the sensors via the Internet.