Technology

An efficient disaster

The rise of the social-preneur and the evolution of technology have seen a surge in solutions that transform disaster relief efforts around the world.

19 February 2018

It was September 2017. Hurricane Harvey was tearing a devastating path across Texas, destroying homes and lives. Into this hot mess of floods, limited access and frustrated rescue workers walked a woman who wanted to make a difference. Holly Hartman had read about an app called Zello and how it was being used to connect the “Cajun Navy” rescue effort with victims. Within hours of downloading the app, she had volunteered to work through the night, logging rescue requests and sharing them with the rescue teams. All it took was one app and two minutes of training.

“Because Zello works globally, many of the dispatchers and organisers worked from their homes 1 500 miles away,” says Bill Moore, founder and CEO of Zello. “Within the first day, thousands of individuals brought boats, trucks, gas and equipment to help, many listening to Zello while driving towards the disaster area.”

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