Information system to assist survivors of disasters

Abstract

This paper describes a free and open source information system designed to be deployed in emergencies caused by sudden onset natural disasters. The aim is to streamline the communication flow and collaboration between media, aid workers and government agencies with the affected population, to help the latter get verified, accurate and actionable information that will enable them to make decisions and recover from the disaster. The EIS system also provides means for affected population and field workers to channel vital data back up into aid response. This tool is part of a free information service run by ThomsonReuters Foundation to help survivors of natural disasters. It will serve the affected populations, local media and relief responders by providing fast, practical and verified information in local languages through the best means available.