Taiwan NGO, Microsoft to jointly develop disaster response system

Taipei, June 18 (CNA) A Taiwanese non-governmental organization (NGO) focusing on national security said Wednesday it will collaborate with Microsoft Taiwan to develop a disaster response and reporting management system to help disaster relief units from the government and private sector to integrate disaster response, reporting, and volunteer recruitment plans.

In a statement, the Forward Alliance said it has developed the iCanHelp app to link to the system. Drawing on data and open resources provided by organizations such as the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the platform will enable the public to access practical manuals, report disaster situations, view response maps and register as volunteers through the app so as to enhance public participation in disaster preparedness.

From 2021-2023, Taiwan experienced approximately 50,000 natural and man-made disasters resulting in economic losses exceeding NT$72.5 billion (US$2.45 billion), the alliance said, citing statistics from the Executive Yuan's annual white paper on disaster prevention and response.

These disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes, floods and fires, have a profound impact on people's lives, infrastructure and economic activities, the alliance noted.

Given that Taiwan is prone to natural disasters due to its geographical location, the alliance hopes to integrate resources from various sectors by establishing an efficient emergency response, coordination, and reporting system to enhance overall societal efficiency and reduce losses, said Enoch Wu (吳怡農), founder of the alliance and a politician from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, in the statement.