SEATTLE — Mobile technology is revolutionizing disaster relief in developing countries. Thanks to the expansion of mobile technology, there has been an increase in the use of such services by government agencies to send critical, time-sensitive information to mass amounts of people.
The past several years have seen an increase in the number of citizens relying on cellphones to keep in-touch with loved ones during times of crisis. Even refugees rely on their cell phones for navigation and information. They go as far as asking for wifi and charging stations at camps before food and water.
According to a report by the Brookings Institute, “[m]obile devices assist with public safety, disaster planning, and crisis response…[and]have helped save lives and ameliorate human suffering throughout the world.”
Mobile technology differs from radio and television alerts in that users don’t have to be “tuned in” to the device to receive information — it comes in the form of an alert on their phone.
The Red Cross published a report titled–the 2013 World Disasters Report: Focus on Technology and the Future of Humanitarian Action–to detail the applications of mobile technology for disaster relief. According to the report, the information generated by disaster or crisis victims has the potential to increase the reach of early warning systems and the effect of emergency aid.
Already, some of the world’s largest tech companies are taking note. For instance, Google’s Person Finder, launched in 2010 following the earthquake in Haiti, offers a suite of tools dedicated to allowing people to let their loved ones know that they are safe in a crisis. Facebook offers a similar Safety Check feature.
A newer app known as MapSwipe, which features partners, such as the Red Cross and Doctors Without Borders, takes aim at the difficulties associated with mapping houses, roads and bridges in isolated communities. The application allows users to search satellite images and mark down existing huts, infrastructure and villages. This information is then shared with NGOs such as Doctors Without Borders, who can use it to more effectively to respond to humanitarian crises.
Although there is still work to be done, existing research and programs already in development demonstrate that the partnership between mobile technology and disaster relief could be an excellent way to improve humanitarian aid, saving lives in the process.
– Sabrina Santos
Photo: Flickr