Can Telecenters become Disaster Early Warning Centers?

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Permalink Reply by Sameera Wijerathna on May 12, 2009 at 12:23am

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Hi All

People with experience on DRR also may contribute.

Best regards,
Sameera.

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Permalink Reply by Francis Mwathi on September 29, 2009 at 2:59am

Hallo members,

Watchning Cable News Network (CNN), last evening I could not help but marvel at how Social Networking websites have played a big role in reporting the Philippines flood scourage.

Residents are using social networking sites to post escape routes and meeting spots after tropical storm Ketsana dumped a month’s worth of rain in six hours. Internet users from the Philippines and the diaspora are supplementing government efforts by posting everything from emergency phone numbers to appeals for donations online. Even as cities have come to a standstill, many reports indicate that Internet services are still working, allowing citizen’s groups, using social networking sites on the Internet, to join in the rescue efforts. Users also are posting locations of either an acquaintance or a friend’s neighbor waiting for hours to be saved, mobilizing other users in their network who have easier access to government rescue to ask for help.

I think Telecentres have a role in helping people within their communities know how to use social networking websites as they are more than just 'fun' sites. Disasters can happen anywhere, anytime and people need to be enlightened on the best ways they can help themselves and others when calling for relief or any other form of help. Social Networking sites are definately an option.

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Permalink Reply by Sameera Wijerathna on October 8, 2009 at 10:03am

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Hi Francis\Others

More than just 'fun' sites;

That is good point. Even social networking sites can be used to save lives.

I totally agree with you. In today’s context we have wired as well as wire less connectivity. Even when ground telephone lines are not working there is a possibility of wireless WiMAX, HSPA, etc. to work without disruptions.

We remember how communications was crucial after Tsunami in Sri Lanka to locate to missing people or get the food, dry rations, etc. for others who were fortunate enough to survive.

Sameera.
http://ict4d-in-srilanka.blogspot.com/

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Permalink Reply by tareq ahmed on December 8, 2009 at 6:53am

definitely it's possible.it depends on the approach one takes 4 building a telecenter at rural areas,which r disaster prone.what is needed is the convergance of technologies,particularly ICT's.in this case cell phone and also community radio can play a vital role besides the regular ICT tools like:internet,fax etc.in BANGLADESH,two cell phone operators r linked with a project of government of bangladesh and managed by UNDP,the cell phone companies will deliver messages for warly warning for alerting the local people.although this has started as a pilot phase in a limited number of districts,in future it will hopefully cover different disaster prone areas,which r vulnerable both to cyclones and floods.

Community Radio can play a very important role in disseminating early warnings.bangladesh is hoping to see a number of CR stations to start soon,both in districts of coastel region and in flood prone geographic locations.

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Permalink Reply by Jimmy L. Calata on December 8, 2009 at 8:20pm

Telecentres can serve as the hub for communication and information in their respective villages or communities before, during and after disasters and other forms of fortuitous events, whether natural or otherwise.

Since in every country there are already existing systems and organizations created and are functioning for such purpose, our telecentre networks need not operate as independent hubs for disaster management and coordination.

Our telecentres could simply play a major supportive role to extant organizations, such as the National Disaster Coordinating Council, National Department of Social Welfare and Development, National Red Cross, etc. by serving as their conduits, thus helping much in effectively and efficiently broadening their reach to the grassroots.

Leaders of telecentre networks around the world should be encouraged to work out with disaster-related organizations in their respective countries for the possible forging of partnerships, and to draw the mechanics of participation and empowerment of their telecentres down to the grassroots level.

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Permalink Reply by Jimmy L. Calata on December 17, 2009 at 9:24pm

Since telecentres are in direct contact with the grassroots, they are in a good position to help in the education and mobilization of the members of their respective communities on issues and concerns involving Climate Change and its Effects.

On the practical side, our telecentre workers and users could be more effective and efficient in this area of global concern if they can be provided with Guidebooks or Primers and probably a sub-website within the http://telecentrecommunity.ning.com for their reference and use. The reference materials should also provide them with a guide on how they can integrate themselves into the local, national and international efforts or movements that are addressing issues and concerns involving Climate Change and its Effects.

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