In the face of catastrophe, having knowledge about the latest technology and making its best use can prove to be a life savior. Most of the time, manual help is not accessible and one needs to find a smart way to emerge unharmed from the chaos around. In such situations, some of the Disaster Management Apps listed below can be extremely beneficial in overcoming the battle between life and death.
- Hurricane Hound
The app enables hurricane tracking on a Google Maps background. It shows the tracks and forecasts of active hurricanes tropical storms. This app also highlights areas the National Weather Service (NWS) is watching for possible development. It covers the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific Basins and provides access to NWS forecast information including tropical outlooks and discussions, public advisories, forecasts, and satellite imagery. It also includes up-to-date US radar and weather satellite data. It can be downloaded free on androids.
- Natural Disaster Monitor
This one also shows natural disasters in the form of lists on google maps. Clicking on the entry, one will see more details on the disaster. You can also circle the area around the disaster, to mark a red zone and track the distance from his/her location. The color coding – green, red and orange enables people to be aware of the current situation.
- Google Maps
Google maps can be a helping hand in times of natural disasters. From telling you the exact weather in particular locations to tracking your family members by sharing their live locations, Google Maps can be of help during times of crisis.
- Qkopy
Qkopy is a credible social communications platform that can transfer important information from one source to multiple sources in just few seconds. The app is currently being used by Government of Kerala to connect various department of the government and establish a seamless direct relationship with the public. Due to registration by a unique mobile number, the app ensures that the information is being circulated in not a rumor.
In the recent floods in Kerala, Qkopy acted as a source of reliable information for people who were stranded and needed any platform to know the status of flooding, waterlogging, traffic movement and more. The application required to save the Kozhikode City Traffic Police phone number, and then it directly sent updates as shared by the police.
Apart from marking yourself safe, Facebook’s crisis response also helps you connect directly with other people nearby to find help with resources like food, supplies, or shelter. It also gives you an option of raising money by either fundraising or donating.
- Storm Eye
StormEye provides detailed storm tracking information and weather radar images overlaid on Google Maps. For every storm, StormEye provides important information such as the storm’s location relative to your location, where the storm is heading, estimated time of arrival (ETA), the storm’s intensity, hail probabilities, and maximum hail size.
Disasters and calamities do not come pre informed. Mother Nature doesn’t take much time in becoming a destructive force. Active use of tech apps can reduce the added burden on authorities.
