Integrating Social Media and Remote Sensing Data for Flood Assessment in Developing Countries: A Case Study in Douala Estuary, Cameroon

Paper number

IAC-21,B1,5,9,x65227

Author

Dr. Desire Muhire, Austria, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Mr. Krittanon Sirorattanakul, United States, California Institute of Technology

Coauthor

Mr. Nzeussi Mbouendeu Charles-aimé, Cameroon, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Mr. Swarnajyoti Mukherjee, Italy, GP Advanced Projects, Srl

Coauthor

Dr. Maduako Ikechukwu, Nigeria, Physics and Astronomy Department, University of Nigeria

Coauthor

Mr. Chukwuma Okolie, Nigeria, University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Coauthor

Ms. Daniela Vargas-Sanabria, Costa Rica, Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED)

Coauthor

Mr. Lako Stephane, Cameroon

Coauthor

Mr. Ikenna Arungwa, Nigeria

Coauthor

Ms. Avanija Menon, United Kingdom, University College London (UCL)

Coauthor

Mr. Abinash Silwal, Nepal, Kathmandu University

Coauthor

Mr. Marco Filipe Romero, Angola, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Coauthor

Dr. Alessandro Novellino, United Kingdom, British Geological Survey

Coauthor

Dr. Doreen Agaba, Uganda, Space Generation Advisory Council (SGAC)

Year

2021

Abstract

According to the United Nations, the number of global weather-related disasters in the past decades has been estimated at 90\% of the total number of disasters. These are likely to increase in severity and frequency with current and forecasted global climate changes. Disaster risk monitoring using space technology and machine learning has become essential for minimizing and managing the consequences of natural disasters. However, flood assessment and data collection remain deficient in many parts of developing countries. Recent studies in Cameroon have identified socio-economic limitations and low adaptive capacity to manage floods that threaten and expose populations to vulnerability and danger.
     The increasing availability of smartphones and social media data allows individuals to directly document floods in real-time and otherwise poorly observed areas. However, these data are rarely used for flood assessment purposes in developing countries. This information, in synergy with remote sensing, can help disaster managers and rescuers determine routes and maps to support flood response as well as post-flood activities, such as calibrating flood hydrodynamic models. The paper will focus on integrating community social media with satellite remote sensing data to assess and assist in flood disaster emergency response and preparedness in Douala Estuary in Cameroon.

{\bf Keywords:} social media, disaster management, remote sensing, Cameroon

Abstract document

IAC-21,B1,5,9,x65227.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-21,B1,5,9,x65227.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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