Humanitarian & Disaster Technologist
Writing on technology, crisis response, and the future of humanitarian aid — drawn from 15 years working in the field.
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From the Field: How Hawaii Used DisasterAWARE to Coordinate Flood Response Across the Islands
6–9 minutes1,426 wordsRead more: From the Field: How Hawaii Used DisasterAWARE to Coordinate Flood Response Across the IslandsA field report on how Hawaii used Pacific Disaster Center’s DisasterAWARE ecosystem to coordinate multi-island flood response and hazard analysis.
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Pneumatic Tube Logistics: Rapid Medical Transport in Dense Urban Ruins
8–13 minutes1,983 wordsRead more: Pneumatic Tube Logistics: Rapid Medical Transport in Dense Urban RuinsIn a damaged city, the desire for a fast route between a treatment area, a blood bank, and a laboratory is understandable. Rubble, access controls, congested corridors, and exhausted staff can all slow the movement of a specimen or urgently needed product. But the useful lesson from pneumatic tubes is not that responders can unroll a magical transport network across ruins. It is that mature hospital tube systems are carefully engineered logistics infrastructure: fixed networks with controlled routes, compatible carriers, trained users, priority rules, maintenance, and a human backup when the system is unavailable. That distinction matters. Pneumatic tube systems…
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Open Source Technology: Building More Equitable Humanitarian Systems
4–7 minutes1,024 wordsRead more: Open Source Technology: Building More Equitable Humanitarian SystemsDiscover how cutting-edge technologies like drones, AI, and blockchain are revolutionising humanitarian aid and disaster response in 2026.
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Revolutionizing Disaster Response: Cutting-Edge Technologies Saving Lives Today
3–5 minutes754 wordsRead more: Revolutionizing Disaster Response: Cutting-Edge Technologies Saving Lives TodayIn an era marked by increasing natural disasters and humanitarian crises, the integration of advanced technologies is reshaping how we prepare for, respond to, and manage emergencies. From artificial intelligence to robotics, drones to satellite communications, the latest innovations are not only improving efficiency but transforming the very capabilities of disaster response teams worldwide. This blog explores recent developments that promise faster, smarter, and more resilient humanitarian aid. Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Predictive and Responsive Action Artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of revolutionizing disaster management. Governments and researchers alike are tapping into AI’s power to enhance early warning…
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The Future of Aid: 5 Major Trends That Shaped Disaster Response in 2025
5–7 minutes1,153 wordsRead more: The Future of Aid: 5 Major Trends That Shaped Disaster Response in 2025The year 2025 marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of disaster response. As the frequency and intensity of natural and man-made crises continued to escalate, the humanitarian sector underwent a profound transformation. A convergence of technological innovation, strategic realignment, and a renewed focus on community engagement reshaped how we prepared for, responded to, and recovered from disasters. This blog post explores five of the most significant trends that defined the past year in disaster response, drawing on research and real-world examples to provide a comprehensive overview of the changed landscape. 1. AI-Powered Rapid Assessment and Prediction Artificial intelligence (AI)…
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Corruption in Post-Disaster Geographies: A Looming Concern and Pathways to Combat It…
3–4 minutes641 wordsRead more: Corruption in Post-Disaster Geographies: A Looming Concern and Pathways to Combat It…When nature unleashes its fury through disasters, it not only leaves behind a trail of destruction but also creates an environment ripe for corruption to rear its head. This article aims to shed light on the phenomenon of increased corruption in post-disaster geographies, examining the reasons behind its occurrence and exploring effective strategies to tackle this pressing issue. Understanding the Correlation between Disasters and Corruption In the aftermath of a disaster, affected communities face numerous challenges, from rebuilding shattered infrastructure to providing essential aid to those in need. Unfortunately, these challenging times also present opportunities for corrupt practices to emerge.…
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Bottom-up or top-down?
4–6 minutes915 wordsRead more: Bottom-up or top-down?Disaster preparedness and resilience are crucial for any community to mitigate the risks and damages caused by natural disasters or emergencies. While traditional top-down models for disaster preparedness have been commonly used, a growing number of subject matter experts and researchers are advocating for a bottom-up model to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience. A bottom-up model for disaster preparedness and resilience involves involving local communities and individuals in planning and decision-making processes. This approach recognizes that communities are the first responders during disasters and can play an essential role in emergency management. According to Máximo Bañados, Regional Director for Latin…