Exploring the capability of earth observation data and a New ‘4S’ framework for disaster risk reduction: An experience from july 2022 flash floods in Amarnath Valley, India

This article uses Earth Observation (EO) datasets to capture and understand the implications of using such data applications in mitigating disasters for remote and inaccessible areas. Despite the valuable insights provided by EO data, their applicability is often restricted by the temporal limitations, particularly those derived from open-source radar and optical satellite imagery, which are frequently incapable of capturing ephemeral or rapidly evolving phenomena.

The findings suggest the need for more ground-based automated weather stations (AWS) complementing satellite-based EO systems' limitations for providing high-precision regular interval observation. Finally, the scientists propose a new ‘4S’ framework, namely, ‘source’, ‘setting’, ‘susceptibility’ and ‘solution’ for flash flood risk assessment. This framework has also been discussed in complementary to a cross-sectoral interface containing ‘science-governance-disaster risk reduction (DRR)-society’ aspects alongside major targets based on Global Goals (UN SDGs) and India’s national DRR agenda points.