Early Warning System for Disaster-prone Development Areas
World Vision India has introduced Early warning system for disaster-prone areas in several villages of India. Disaster preparedness has long been a part of development work in these communities, but now World Vision plans to take advantage of new technology in disaster-prone development areas and for the first time, satellite weather warnings will give villagers a chance to react and respond before the disaster strikes. The system works through a simple local computer network connected to television, internet and the local public address system. During times of alert, all weather reports are aired in local language through multiple loudspeakers, plus the internet is monitored for latest weather patterns. As backup, World Space Radio technology connects the early warning centres together, able to submit messages as well as send computer files. This means warnings can be communicated to many destinations even if internet communications have failed. Once completed, it is hoped the system will cover as many as 5800 villages in several different states of India. As well, disaster preparedness activities include an introduction to alternative crops and livelihoods, identification and strengthening of roads, riverbanks and buildings prone to damage, and regularly rehearsed evacuation and response plans with community volunteers. With this year's monsoon season already wreaking havoc across the region, systems like these will help to protect some of India's most vulnerable communities. For further details, contact: Reena Samuel World Vision Mumbai, India Tel: + 91 22 28772118, 28772269 E-mail: reena_samuel@wvi.org
Sector: Disaster Management and Mitigation
Country: India
Area of Application: Disaster prone areas/villages
Keywords: Early warning system for disaster-prone
Advantages: 1. Very useful in disaster preparedness exercises.
Environmental aspects: Not Applicable
Development Status: Commercial Prototype
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Transfer Terms: Consultancy , Technical Services , Others
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Contact Person: UN-ESCAP/APCTT
Address: C-2 Qutab Institutional Area
City: New Delhi
Country: India
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