MSFAGA2014

real-time monitor-ing, tagging and geo-location of relevant reports published on mainstream and social media

Google Spreadsheets was simply not de-signed to facilitate real-time monitoring, tagging and geo-location tasks by hundreds of digital volunteers collaborating synchronously and asynchronously across multiple time zones.

I often describe micro-tasking as “smart crowdsourcing”.

A bird’s eye view of a disaster-affected area simply captures far more information than most Earth-based data-collection technologies can.

fraction of the cost with far fewer licensing and data-sharing restrictions than satellite imagery.

Rotary-wing UAVs were used to support search and rescue efforts, looking for survivors amongst massive fields of debris left behind by the unprecedented storm surge (see below).

We agreed that technology decisions should not be pushed down the development process, from donor to implementer, to health system, to CHW.

engagement with all frontline health workers

"I'm a strong believer that the majority of incidents can be handled virtually and you don't have to take people away from what they may normally do and put them all into the traditional EOC," York said.

virtual platform, called Basecamp

University of Oregon only uses its physical EOC twice a year compared to about 12 times per year for its virtual EOC.

Between 2004 and 2013, there was a 430% increase in global funding requirements for humanitarian appeals, while the number of people affected nearly doubled.

are under increasing pressure to cut spending

more than half of the world’s refugees live in urban areas

Some startups in Asia have created drones to take aerial photos and deliver food and other supplies. In the Philippines, UNTV, a broadcasting company, is going to use drones for news reporting.

acquiring drones that can carry life buoys and water to affected areas. It’s also looking into underwater drones to aid in some kinds of rescue operations. He claims that they are first to use drones in reporting in the Philippines.

The “grease” that keeps this machinery running smoothly is up-to-date and relevant information.

“It is critical for us to understand who is working in our province so that we can facilitate their actions as well as do our own planning for the delivery of relief supplies,” said Jose Villanueva the Provincial Administrator of Capiz Province. “For this we rely on OCHA to inform us on what is actually happening in Capiz.

OCHA's Who does What Where (3W) database

Kenya is the first country in the world to use mobile phones for cash transfers.

drones truly become standard operation procedure in humanitarian crises? Experts consulted by Devex believe so, although they do admit mass use of these devices will have to overcome serious challenges, like their relatively high price and legal issues over privacy and sovereignty rights.

ncluding global positioning system, thermal imaging and live video streaming

faster disaster assessment means faster disaster response, which, ultimately, saves lives.

ndependent investigations to be carried out into drone attacks after a series of strikes that result in unexpected civilian deaths in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and elsewhere.

dramatic reduction in drone strikes in 2013 in Pakistan but increases in Afghanistan and, towards the end of the year, in Yemen.

threefold increase in recorded civilian casualties from drone strikes in Afghanistan in 2013.