PCT unveils Disaster News network to integrate rescue and relief efforts

From "Taiwan Church News" <enews@pctpress.org>
Date Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:38:32 +0800

3106 Edition

September 5-11, 2011

General Assembly News

PCT unveils Disaster News network to integrate rescue and relief efforts 

Reported by Sam Lee

Written by Lydia Ma

PCT Disaster News lived up to its potential when Typhoon Nanmadol hit Taiwan by 
providing many helpful news instantly about areas most heavily affected by this 
super-typhoon and needed assistance. The website gave viewers the latest 
update, location of disaster zones, and pictures and clips of devastations.

According to PCT Information Center Director, Rev. Chen Yi-ming, the highlight 
of this website is that it allows users to easily post the latest news about a 
natural disaster in their area. Users can type a 300-word brief message at most 
and include photos or videos they took with their cameras. 

The site also includes information such as maps and coordinates to help rescue 
volunteers locate disaster areas in need of manpower. Its greatest strength is 
that all information can be posted and found without much hassle.

This new network is the product of many lessons learned on effective 
coordination and use of resources during rescue and relief efforts in the 
aftermath of Taiwan’s 921 Earthquake and Typhoon Morakot. At the time, 
integrated and coordinated aid were dampened by lack of a systematic and 
streamlined approach.

This system integrates into one list all areas in need of volunteers by 
offering a form that churches can fill out online. In cases or locations with 
power outage or lack of internet connection, churches can use radio to send out 
information to be posted online. Disaster News can also be linked via social 
network sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Plurk so that information can be 
disseminated as soon as possible.

********************

Taiwan Church News is published weekly in Taiwan's local languages. 

You may translate and re-use our articles online only if you acknowledge the 
source as "Taiwan Church News" and list the names of the reporter and writer. 
Contact us before reprinting any of our articles for print publications. 

Direct comments and questions about this article to: enews@pctpress.org

Visit our website for more news at: http://enews.pctpress.org/ (English) or 
http://www.pctpress.org (Chinese) 

********************