This research explores the use of mobile communications for disaster warnings in two types of models: Community-based and public warning models
Community-based model
The major Last-Mile HazInfo research project funded by IDRC comes to a close in March 2008. It broke new ground in community-based early warning. LIRNEasia hopes to continue this study, in collaboration with partner organizations; one of the objectives of the study is establishing a commercially sustainable mechanism to provide bidirectional communication capabilities to first responders in the disaster-warning system.
This component intends to conduct an evaluation of the implementation of the above described project with emphasis on the role of mobiles in sustaining the closed-user-group, community-based model.
Public-warning model
In the larger picture of disaster risk reduction, public warning is an essential component. The original NEWS:SL report identified cell broadcasting as a key technology of early public warning, especially if high mobile penetration existed. This was because cell broadcasting is not subject to congestion, which affects all communication media except broadcasting.
LIRNEasia, in cooperation with relevant authorities, intends to conduct a scoping study to introduce cell broadcasting to the Maldives. The proposed research will include a component on protocols for communication between the warning authority in government and mobile operators and an assessment of the other day-to-day applications of cell broadcasting.
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