The super typhoon Haiyan destroyed villages and towns across central Philippines this past week. Google reacted by launching several crisis tools for those who were affected. Typhoon Haiyan claimed 10,000 lives in one city and more than 600,000 more in other areas.
One of Google's tools included a person finder which helped people search for the status of a person that was affected by the disaster. This tool lets users click on, "I'm looking for someone," and insert a name. They can also use this tool if they have information about someone and insert their data.
This is a great way that Google has taken the lead in efforts to help those affected by disasters. By creating this tool, Google has found a way to let people find one another and also help in the efforts by giving information that they think can be helpful.
They have also made this tool available for mobile phones. Google also launched a relief map for areas that were affected. This provides updates on shelters, command centers and communications posts. The map can be embedded on any site and is a helpful tool for any site that is focusing on recovery from national disasters.
Read this article: Google Sets Up Person Finder and Relief Map for Typhoon Haiyan
Kudos to Google, the people search is incredible. It really gives families hope about finding their loved ones. I wish that they had this during the September 11th tragedy. Imagine how many people could have been recognized, and/or found.
ReplyDeleteI think this is great! This is a great way for people to find their loved ones and see if they are okay! It can also help keep others calm during disasters once they know they where abouts of their loved ones! I think this is an incredible tool and it amazes me at how far technology has come and that we are able to do this
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing advancement Google is making. They are so far ahead of their not even what seems like competition, Bing. Though, I do not really understand the new feature. How complex is it? How do they know where people are? Is this only through Internet services? What if those who are lost cannot be found and do not have Internet access or even a cellular device? Are their "bases" where they are checked in to? How does this feature really even work? That, I am not sure of. There is no real explanation of the complexities of the addition, people just recognize that Google is trying to reach out and people do not questions any further.
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