Assessment of Population at Hazard Risk Using LandScan Global Population Dataset 2008

Tarun Prakash Meena, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Vikas Khatik, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Md Selim Reja, Jawaharlal Nehru University

History of geography has witnessed that no area is immune to Natural Hazards. Increasing interference of anthropogenic activities has increased the frequency and magnitude of hazards due to increasing population pressure on spatial entities. Study focuses on alternatives to reduce the impact and adversity of hazards. Study using Remote Sensing and GIS methods extracts information regarding population vulnerable to hazards. Census data, which is not available in continuous pattern, LandScan of ORNL have been used to cover the minimum variation for estimating the population of an area. Case study covers three regions which are coastal regions of India, flood plains of Bihar and Delhi. Case study on Delhi depicts that in Delhi NCT 1.4million are living in those areas which are highly prone to flood. Result of study reveals that variation between census figures and Landscan is only 4 persons/km2. Data is greatly useful for effective rescue exercise as exact population of a small area is accessible.