Humanitarian & Disaster Technologist
Writing on technology, crisis response, and the future of humanitarian aid — drawn from 15 years working in the field.
-
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.
-
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…
-
The use of Starlink in disaster response: an overview.
3–4 minutes630 wordsRead more: The use of Starlink in disaster response: an overview.In recent years, satellite communications have become an increasingly important tool in disaster response. One of the most promising new developments in this field is the use of Starlink, a satellite internet service provided by SpaceX. Starlink has the potential to revolutionize disaster response by providing reliable internet access in remote and disaster-stricken areas. One of the key benefits of Starlink is its ability to provide internet access in areas where traditional infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed. This can be crucial in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, when first responders and aid workers need to communicate and coordinate…
-
AI and it’s use in disaster response.
3–4 minutes686 wordsRead more: AI and it’s use in disaster response.Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in disaster response efforts around the world. From predicting and preventing disasters to coordinating and delivering aid, AI is playing a vital role in saving lives and reducing suffering. One area where AI is making a significant impact is in the prediction and prevention of disasters. Machine learning algorithms can analyze data from a variety of sources, such as satellite imagery and weather patterns, to identify potential disasters and alert authorities. For example, a team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed an AI system that can predict the likelihood of a…
-
The use and benefits of rapid deployable wifi networks in disaster response.
4–6 minutes939 wordsRead more: The use and benefits of rapid deployable wifi networks in disaster response.In the wake of natural disasters, reliable communication infrastructure is crucial for coordinating relief efforts and providing essential services to affected communities. In recent years, rapid deployable WiFi networks have emerged as a promising solution for restoring connectivity in disaster-stricken areas. One organization that has been at the forefront of this effort is Disaster Tech Lab, a non-profit that specializes in providing emergency telecommunications in disaster-affected communities. Disaster Tech Lab has deployed its WiFi networks in a number of disaster-stricken regions, including Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria and Nepal after the 2015 earthquake. According to a statement by Disaster Tech…
-
Informal volunteerism.
4–7 minutes1,045 wordsRead more: Informal volunteerism.Informal volunteers can play a crucial role in disaster and crisis response, often providing essential support to formal organizations such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD). According to a report by NBC News, “when disaster strikes, volunteers are often the first on the scene, and their actions can be critical in the first few hours and days.” These volunteers may not have any official training or affiliation, but they can still make a significant impact through their efforts. One of the main benefits of using informal volunteers in disaster response is their…
-
Review: Peli Case 1610
Read more: Review: Peli Case 1610Being able to transport and store your equipment in a safe and secure manner is essential in this line of work. About 5 years ago I switched from duffel bags with padding and cardboard boxes to using Peli cases. Peli is of course one of the leaders in the field of making bombproof cases. The company has been around since 1976 and make hundreds of different cases. There is hardly an use application they Peli does not make a case for. In addition to that they also have a range of inserts for most cases which lets you customise the…