Assam represents a highly flood-prone region characterized by severe hazards of floods. Although occurrence of flood has been an age-old phenomenon in the riverine areas of this region, the extent of damage caused by floods has increased significantly in recent years.
Satellite remote sensing technology has made substantial contribution in every aspect of flood disaster management such as preparedness, relief and mitigation. Space systems from their vantage position have unambiguously demonstrated their capability in providing vital information and services for flood management.
Given this backdrop, the NRSC had in addition to the flood response services through Decision Support Centre, taken up the work of preparation of the flood hazard atlas. Assam is the first state in the country to have such an atlas with much detail; similar efforts are underway in Bihar and Orissa.
IRS satellite image showing the flood situation in Assam
The major steps involved in the preparation of the flood hazard zonation maps were -
Flood Hazard Zonation for Goalpara district of Assam
Based on frequency of inundation, the flood hazard was categorised into five classes - very high, high, moderate, low and very low. The atlas indicates the following -
The flood hazard atlas can be viewed online
The district-wise flood hazard atlas can be downloaded below -