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) ********************