Local People Need Access to Technology to Survive Disasters

Indian villagers stand on the breached embankment of a swollen river. The widespread use of technology played a huge role in preventing a large loss of life when cyclone Phailin hit the country. Photograph: AP

Technology can greatly enhance the ability of disaster-affected communities to help themselves, says world disasters report

theguardian.com - by Mark Tran
October 17, 2013

Lack of access to information and technology has a major bearing on people's ability to prepare for, survive and recover from disasters, according to the 2013 world disasters report.

While new technologies greatly enhance the ability of disaster-affected communities to help themselves, the report, published by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Geneva . . . says access to technology is deeply unequal. This digital divide is prominent in the most disaster-prone countries around the world.

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IFRC - World Disasters Report

World Disasters Report 2013 (284 page .PDF report)