Hi
I think we are having some really great discussions on how IT can and cannot contribute to managing disasters like the one we have in South Asia. I am especially struck by the innovative use of technology be it the ham radio or the SMS. The question in my mind is this: Is there an information system out there that brings together the various components needed to address situations like what we have? I mean a system that can provide information to 1) national and international donor agencies on the extent of the loss and the assistance needed, 2) insurance companies so that then can gear up for claims that might flow in, 3) average citizen searching for missing friends and relatives, 4) governments and embassies looking for citizens who might be in the affected areas, 5) local governments so they can gear up pre and post disaster. I don't know much about disaster management but these are just some of the players who came to my mind. I know that this might not be an easy task and there will be political concerns over who will "own" the data and privacy etc...but if we can think of an integrated approach that combines disaster alerts and its broad management we can be in a better position to deal with situations like this. Its not just whether we can accurately predict natural disaster its also about how effectively we deal with uncertainties that surround such alerts.
If anyone is involved in such a project I would love to know more and would like to contribute in anyway I can - especially using my research skills.
Anu PhD Candidate 4-206 Centre for Science & Technology School of Information Studies Syracuse University Syracuse NY 13244-4100 Off. Tel +01 315 443 1797
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