Technology has considerably enhanced the potential of mankind to manage the disasters. For instance, exact prediction of Phailin cyclone considerably reduced the loss of life and property. Similarly technologies are today extensively used in prediction and protection from other disasters like tsunami, earthquakes. In this regard Geographic Information System (GIS) is turning out to be an excellent tool for disaster management. GIS is an effective, economic and efficient tool for storing, manipulating, and presenting spatial and geographic data in an integrated manner.

It can assist in Disaster Management in following ways:

PRE DISASTER PHASE

• It can assist the disaster managers in vulnerability mapping. For example it can be used to map the areas vulnerable to earthquakes and classify them under various zones. For example it is used to Indian ocean region to identify the areas vulnerable to earthquake and tsunami.
• It can also assist in developing alternate routes to shelters, camps, and important locations in the event of disruption of normal surface communication
• In case of disasters like floods and tsunamis, GIS can help in identifying locations likely to remain unaffected or remain comparatively safe. Then routes and signboards can be placed guiding the public to such safe locations in the event of hazards. . For Example: GIS has been used in Odisha against cyclones. For example: it has been used in the identification of location for construction of multipurpose cyclone shelters.
• Locations suitable for construction of shelters, godowns, housing colonies, etc. can be scientifically identified by using information regarding landforms, nature of disasters, etc.
• Areas where no construction should be taken up or existing habitations require relocation, could be identified by using vulnerability data which can be created using GIS.

DURING DISASTER

• It can be used for planning of rescue and evacuation operations. In Sikkim GIS was useful in search and rescue operations in areas affected by landslides.
• GIS can also be used to identify the areas where the disaster is likely to spread. It can act as a warning system and thus it can help in controlling the further spread of disaster.

POST DISASTER

• Accessibility of data through GIS can assist in rehabilitation by identifying the most damaged area. For example, it was used in earthquake region of Gujarat.
• It is also useful in post-disaster reconstruction works. New houses can be constructed in the less vulnerable areas.

Therefore technology is indispensable tool to help in disaster management including rescue,relief and rehabilitation.