Introduction

Natural disasters have become a natural phenomenon. Earthquake, landslides, cyclones and floods visit the earth regularly and leave a trail of destruction and misery for thousands of people. The world is devastated by natural disaster since ages.  Human beings can not stop the advent of natural disasters. But, can work together to understand them better for better disaster resistant planning and development.

There is a need to understand the spatial relationship and impact  of these disaster on human settlements. This will facilitate the decision makers to develop a strategy for a preparedness plan to reduce the risk of these disasters and ensure safer living to the people  without the fear. We can use GIS to live in harmony with nature.

Objectives

The symposium will focus on the use of geoinformatics for natural disaster preparedness such as earthquake, flood, typhoon and tsunami etc.,and for rehabilitation and risk management by exploring the various causative factors. There will also be deliberations on how to use GIS for better planning of risk areas.