Geo-spatial Techniques for rapid Post Disaster Needs Assessment (rPDNA)

Abstract

Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) by conventional techniques is one of the critical challenge to respond and recover in specific timeline. This study aims on providing a rapid damage assessment model (rPDNA) by integrating geospatial techniques to compliment Post Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) developed by UNDP, WB and other UN agencies. This model focuses on generating the disaster damage reports within 48 – 72 hours after the disaster, to guide the decision makers on when, how and where to start the PDNA. To improve the speed and accuracy in assessment through rPDNA, various indicators like NDVI, NDWI and texture analysis has been used. Crowdsourcing approach was also adopted to make disaster affected people/victims as volunteers for quick data gathering.