A study on disaster detection and management using WSN in Himalayan region of Uttarakhand

Abstract

Himalayan state of Uttarakhand is extremely vulnerable to natural calamities and often faces severe disasters resulting in mass destruction and property loss. Every year millions of pilgrimage and tourist visits state of Uttarakhand but the chances of hazards are always there. This paper proposes the study of various disasters and their detection with management to minimize the losses in hilly region. Wireless sensor network can provide better solution for disaster management and rescue operations. Earthquake detection and alert system, flood detection, landslide detection, forest fire detection, water level monitoring of Himalayan Rivers, monitoring of glaciers, pilgrimage and tourist management are various examples where WSN can be used. Sensors are deployed for measuring various parameters and on the basis of these measured values; early warning system can be developed to minimize the losses. This paper gives an overview of various approaches and applications of WSN to help in disaster management in Uttarakhand state of India.