Natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, can be devastating for people and the environment. Some unique challenges arise when dealing with these types of emergencies and relief efforts due to their unpredictable nature and vast scale (e.g., large areas). Natural disaster relief management is a process that employs systematic and organized actions to not only save lives but also recover from the effects of such disasters. While it may seem like there is little that can be done, natural disaster relief management has become very advanced in recent years by combining technology with traditional strategies.
One major challenge faced during every natural disaster is mobilizing and transporting resources and supplies to those who need them (e.g., food, medicine, clothes). Since these types of emergencies do not happen very often, infrastructure and transportation networks tend to suffer large-scale damage. For example, immediately after the 2011 TÅhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan, The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) mobilized for disaster relief, but due to the earthquake’s scale, much of Japan’s roads were non-functional.
The Self-Defense Forces used this opportunity to employ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Instead of transporting supplies via trucks over damaged roads, they are flown by UAVs. This is not only faster and more efficient, but it can also transport larger loads than human transportation could (e.g., large construction equipment). This solution was incredibly useful for disaster relief management because it allowed JSDF forces to quickly get supplies where they needed to go while still taking care of their primary duty: protecting Japanese citizens.
Another major challenge during natural disasters is communication between authorities and in need or emergency responders (e.g., first responders, fire departments). One solution used by many countries is utilizing high-powered radios to allow authorities and emergency responders to stay in contact with one another. These types of radios can transmit vast amounts of information over several frequencies and are very resistant and reliable. However, they require a significant amount of time and technical expertise to set up and use, which put them out of reach for most communities that experience natural disasters.
Natural disaster relief management is not easy, but there are many solutions that can help. Today natural disaster relief teams are working to consider all possible scenarios and prepare for them. With access to the advanced system, the disaster relief units can be ready for anything and effectively deal with challenges involved in natural disaster relief management.