Disaster risk management: what technological solutions exist?

Published on 25/05/2018

On 23-24 May 2018, at the invitation of the World Bank and within the framework of its environmental research activities, the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) participated in the seminar entitled “Technological solutions for integrated disaster risk management in Morocco” held in Rabat. 

Disaster management in Morocco

The event was attended by representatives of various Moroccan ministries, insurers and institutions, and included a forum for discussions as well as presentations by suppliers and users or beneficiaries of new, particularly space-related, technology as a solution to risk management in Morocco.

As a result of climate change, Morocco is increasingly exposed to the risk of natural disasters, which can have serious human and economic consequences. Aware of this challenge, the Moroccan Government has called on the international expertise of the World Bank to strengthen integrated disaster risk management and resilience. 

Input of LIST expertise at the seminar

Against this backdrop, the two-day forum for discussions focused not only on Moroccan capacity but also on international expertise.

In general, practical and operational solutions using artificial intelligence, space technologies and virtualisation of expertise were presented. LIST was represented by Mr Renaud Hostache, a specialist in hydraulic modelling and radar remote sensing. Mr Hostache spoke on the topic “Damage assessment solutions (modelling and space)” while also addressing the subject of integrating Earth observation data in hydrological models for improved management of hydrological hazards. 

In collaboration with the European Space Agency's (ESA) Research and Service Support team, researchers from LIST have implemented the “HAZARD” service on their remote sensing image operating platform. This service allows the accurate mapping of extensive flooding shortly after the acquisition of images from ESA satellites. In addition, LIST researchers have developed ways to use the data generated by the HAZARD service to update large-scale flood prediction models. 

Presentation of the FNR's e-DRIFT project

The seminar was an excellent opportunity to present LIST activities currently underway, and specifically to draw parallels with a recently-accepted project funded by the ESA entitled “Disaster RIsk Financing and Transfer” (e-DRIFT). E-DRIFT will soon officially be launched within the framework of the 5th  Earth Observation programme launched by the ESA. LIST's role will be to develop an archive of floods observed by the various satellites operating in Southeast Asia for the period 2002-2018. More information on the topic to come.

> If you have any questions about this seminar and related LIST activities, please contact Patrick Matgen or Renaud Hostache by email. 

Share this page:

Contact

 Patrick MATGEN PhD
Patrick MATGEN PhD
Send an e-mail