The ‘Capacity Building Workshop on Space Technology for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) organized by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) took place virtually from 6 to 8 September 2023 with the participation of 19 officials from 11 IORA Member States. 

Space Technology has become an integral part of disaster risk management and response efforts. Satellites can provide critical data for early warning systems, real-time monitoring, and assessment of damage caused by natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, drought, landslides, earthquakes, etc. Remote sensing technology, including synthetic aperture radar and LiDAR, provides high- resolution imagery of disaster-prone areas, for identifying regions that may be at risk of floods, landslides etc. 

Space technology has also enabled the development of innovative solutions such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which can be deployed rapidly to gather data and provide situational awareness in disaster zones. These technologies are particularly useful for inaccessible areas. 

The 3-day training programme had a focus on the overview of the role of Earth Observation (EO) and Geo-spatial technologies for disaster risk management. The objective of the programme was to demonstrate the potential utilization of EO technologies towards building disaster resilient society, benefiting the participants from IORA Member States. 

The programme consisted of Expert lectures and interactive sessions to make it impactful. Scope for augmenting technology applications, field applications, data limitations, knowledge sharing opportunities, etc. will be discussed for future course of action towards promoting Space Technology for disaster risk management. 

The workshop report can be accessed at DRM\Capacity Building on Space Technology for DRM\Workshop report\Final - Summary Report-Space Technology for DRM - IORA WGDRM- 6to8 Sep 2023-ISRO.pdf