Overview

• The United States has had several disasters in recent years. The NOAA reported that there were two catastrophic storms just in the first quarter of 2019.
• Between 1980 and 2013, there were approximately six disasters every year. In the past five years, this number has risen to over 12 disasters every year. In 2018 alone, it cost the US $100 billion, killing over 250 people. 

Top Disaster Relief Organizations

• The United Nations has various organizations under it that are equipped to handle disasters on a global scale. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) work together to ensure a systematic response to disasters. These organizations include FAO, IOM, OHCHR, UNDP, UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO.
•  These organizations have been a part of managing disasters across various countries: the Health Care in Danger project, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and International non-governmental agencies.

Technological Advancements

• One major component of managing any disaster is the flow of communication/information. The recent rapid advancements into various industries has resulted in an improved disaster response, providing assistance to survivors and volunteers.
• The flow of information can be significantly improved by using technology such as "social media, drones, satellite imagery through GIS, real-time disaster modeling, and widespread connectedness."
• Because so many people own smartphones, social media has been used in the past to aid the rescue of stranded individuals. One such example is the Hurricane Harvey flood, where survivors were able to communicate with one another and the rescue teams were able to find and rescue them.
•  Big data can play a critical in managing disasters and mitigating their impacts. During any disaster, a lot of data is collected. This information includes the intensity of the disaster, personal data, medical data, geolocation, and post-disaster information on the survivors.
• If this data is effectively managed, it can play a major role in future disaster response efforts. It could determine how to prioritize response teams and optimize the best outcome.
• In order to fully benefit from ICT in this industry, governments and organizations need to work together in implementing it. Increasing funding and expanding research and development (R&D) in technology can boost the global efforts in disaster management.

Summary of our Early Findings

• Our initial one-hour research was able to identify some disaster relief organizations. From our research, we determined that disaster management includes preparedness and response. As we proceed, kindly let us know if the examples of organizations provided above are what you would like us to focus on the next research paths.
• Our research team was also able to provide supporting evidence that technology is crucial in disaster management. The research paths suggested below will provide additional insights into this industry.