Effective disaster management and response demand quick utilization of information and data from many sources. Geographic Information System (GIS) is a very useful tool for the whole disaster management cycle starting from the preparedness and mitigation to response, recovery and reconstruction. In the immediate aftermath of a disaster, satellite-based rapid response analysis has enabled emergency response agencies to respond in a better and more coordinated way.

The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Operational Satellite Applications Programme (UNOSAT) in partnership with the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) and the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD) have organized a two-week Training for Flood and Drought Management in East Africa from 19-30th September, 2016 in Nairobi, Kenya. The technical training is mainly aimed at improving the capacities of experts at regional and national level to collect, analyze and visualize geospatial data. This training is mainly focused on flood and drought management, comprising the two main hazards affecting East Africa.

During the training, the participants will be introduced to the basics of GIS and Remote Sensing (RS) along with the application of these technologies for flood and drought management in the Greater Horn of Africa. At the end of the training, the participants are expected to understand the advantages and limitations of using geospatial information technology for flood and drought management in the region. See photos here