The number of U.S. weather and climate disasters reached double figures in 2021, which have tragically taken people’s lives, destroyed homes, and damaged the economy. Examples include Hurricane Ida, the Western Drought and Heatwave, and Texas Hailstorms.
While volunteers and charitable organizations are essential for recovery, various innovative solutions are helping communities to bounce back. Continue reading to learn about the technologies improving the natural disaster response.
Aerial Robotics Transform Humanitarian Aid
Aerial robotics are helping organizations transform humanitarian aid. Drones can successfully map terrain, assess the level of damage, and even improve situational awareness thanks to high-resolution mapping.
In addition to improving insight, aerial robotics are substantially lighter and more affordable than planes and helicopters. Therefore, the technology can help organizations save money and make an online donation go further during a natural disaster, such as the devastating Hurricane Ida. Plus, the lightweight design makes it easier and safer to fly through arduous conditions.
If the above benefits aren’t enough, drones can serve as digital responders by delivering aid to unreachable areas. The infrared cameras and innovative listening systems can uncover survivors, too, as they can identify people underneath rubble or near flames. As the tech can support rescue efforts and increase a person’s likelihood of survival, it is likely to be embraced by government and humanitarian organizations in the future.
Big Data Analytics Prioritizes Response Efforts
Organizations will gather large amounts of data during a natural disaster, such as survivor tracking, personal and medical data, geolocation of roads, and much more. Yet, managing the extensive data has been a major problem in the past, but big data analytics software is simplifying the process. The right software can analyze and prioritize response efforts and improve situational awareness.
For example, an ESRI data visualization platform can offer an in-depth understanding of shelter mapping, water levels, available beds, road closures, and much more. It will ensure a community receives the aid and resources it needs as soon as possible.
Targeted Social Media Disaster Response Efforts
Social media is also improving disaster response, as a global non-profit organization recently partnered with Facebook to target specific social media audiences during a natural disaster. Complex data analytics can help a humanitarian organization pinpoint and target messages to the correct audience. Plus, it can provide key information from third parties, such as local non-profits, FEMA, and international humanitarian non-governmental organizations.
Of course, social media is also a valuable tool for not only sharing information, but the online platforms allow people in need to ask for help during and after a crisis. The popular networks could increase awareness of a disaster, improve essential aid, and help families and individuals to recover.
Technology isn’t a substitute for vital resources, such as shelter, food, water, and comfort, but it is helping to transform various disaster relief efforts, improve survival rates, and support community resilience and recovery. For these reasons, various humanitarian organizations may rely on the likes of aerial robotics, social media targeting, and big data analytics soon to support their life-saving services.
