Amit Shah releases flood hazard zonation atlas of Assam
"Today (Monday), the Union Home Minister launched the Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas of Assam, a satellite-based analysis of flooding patterns in the state.This Atlas will help us in regulating development in floodplains, promoting flood resilient agriculture, support crop insurance schemes, preparing disaster management plans among others," said Assam Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on his X handle.
This is the third version of the Flood Hazard Zonation Atlas prepared by NRSC/ISRO on request from Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) using satellite data from 1998 to 2023.
Since Assam is one of the worst flood-affected states in the country, ISRO has been providing extensive space-based support to the state government in disaster management from time to time. NRSC/ISRO released the first version of the Atlas for Assam in 2011, which was updated in 2015.
The Atlas aims to provide the analysis of satellite-derived flood inundation layers during 1998-2023. It also helped in generation of a flood frequency map, flood hazard zonation categories/ maps at state/district and village levels. This also provides an overall scenario of the flood situation in Assam in the last 26 years.
A statement issued by the Assam State Disaster Management Authority said that bout 400 satellite images (optical and microwave) acquired, covering various flood magnitudes in Assam were thoroughly analyzed in generating flood hazard maps.
"This is instrumental in controlling developmental activities in flood-prone areas and constructing relief, rescue, and healthcare facilities. The study included the analysis of flood frequency, inundation areas at administrative levels in districts and villages and water-level observations obtained from Central Water Commission for identified river gauge sites along the main Brahmaputra river and its tributaries," the statement said.
"The Atlas will be available on the ASDMA website for the benefit of the public and for the district administration for effective planning and decision-making," it said.
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