To implement Fiji’s National Tsunami Response Plan introduced in 2017, the Fiji National Disaster Management Office (NDMO), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other partners, planned a series of drills. As a key component, PacWave2018 tested NDMO’s emergency response capabilities and the integration of technical resources. The drill also included evacuation exercises in five schools along the Suva Peninsula, aiming to raise awareness and preparedness for tsunamis among schools and communities.
In this drill, geoBingAn served as NDMO’s primary ICT tool for disaster information collection, analysis, and sharing. The system enabled the following:
• Real-time Data Collection and Sharing: Using geotagged data such as photos, videos, and reports uploaded by communities and schools, geoBingAn transmitted data instantly to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), allowing for quick disaster situational awareness.
• Multi-agency Collaboration and Reduced Confusion: Emergency agencies could log into geoBingAn to view real-time evacuation progress, avoiding miscommunication or confusion in coordination. NDMO centralized and issued emergency directives to ensure smooth operations.
• Implementation and Evaluation of Evacuation Plans: By tracking evacuation progress in schools and communities, geoBingAn helped NDMO assess the execution of evacuation routes and provided suggestions for improving existing response plans.
During the school evacuations, geoBingAn enabled seamless monitoring and reporting. NEOC could instantly receive evacuation locations, progress, and data on needs from each school, significantly improving reporting timeliness compared to traditional flood or cyclone emergency responses.
geoBingAn not only accelerated disaster information transmission but also provided digital records for disaster response, facilitating post-drill evaluation and improvement. This drill demonstrated geoBingAn’s immense potential as an efficient emergency response tool, and NDMO plans to extend its application to other disaster types, such as floods and tropical cyclones.
Overall, the success of PacWave2018 emphasized the importance of establishing and executing tsunami emergency plans while showcasing how ICT technologies enhance the efficiency and accuracy of disaster management. geoBingAn’s application further underscored the role of digital solutions as vital tools for tackling global disaster challenges.
Related Report:
https://undpasiapac.medium.com/mobile-app-to-advance-tsunami-warnings-in-fiji-80c83a082b86