Development of IoT based Early Warning System and strengthening the coastal climate resilience
Abstract as pdf
Corresponding Author:
Nivedha Elango
Anna University India
elangonivedha@gmail.com
Author(s):
Mary Veronica Amritaa1 , Swarnali Mahmood2 and Iis Isnaeni Nurwanty3
1W S Atkins, Veronica.Amritaa92@Gmail.Com, IND
2University Of Barishal, Swarnali.Mahmood@Gmail.Com, BGD
3Gadjah Mada University, Isnurwanty@Gmail.Com, IDN
Background
Around 10% of the world population live in coastal zones that are less than 10 m above the sea level and are impacted by multiple hazards such as coastal flooding, cyclones, storm surges etc. The coastlines along the Bay of Bengal experience recurring cyclones accounting to large numbers of deaths, loss of livelihood opportunities, severe damage to infrastructure and environment. While it is not entirely possible to control the material losses, especially in case of large events, the loss of human lives and livestock could be prevented by timely management and response. This paper outlines conceptual idea that the authors believe could be turned into a working solution with the right support and funding.
People-centered early warning system (EWS)
This idea proposes to communicate crucial information from the forecasting agency to the local rural communities in a timely manner. For an effective relay of disaster alert and weather information, the recent technological innovation on IoT (Internet of Things) based is suggested. An IoT based hardware device which is weather-proof is designed and will be installed at nodal points in the community. The IoT device is then connected to a display board where information is delivered in infographic format and in the regional language.
Based on the severity of the warning alert and the available time, a siren will be triggered along with a tailored infographic emergency response plan displayed. Once the alert is sounded, the farmers will be provided time to install flood dams. Flood dams are a recent technological innovation available in the market and considered as an alternative to sandbags, but are light in weight and easy to install and remove and can be reused multiple times. These flood dams could help to mitigate the saline water inundation at farms, which take a long recovery time.
Prior capacity building events and mock drills are planned for the end-users to interpret the information and use the system effectively. Also, a team of selected volunteers selected in each coastal village along with life jackets will aid in the evacuation plan. Also, these volunteers will be connected to the nearest NGO’s/private firms through walkie-talkies to address any immediate concerns.
This idea is targeted to benefit the poor coastal communities along the South Asian regions, but could be scaled for a global use.
Cascading disasters: how to design resilient crisis-management institutions and organizations?