Crowd-Sourced Disaster Relief: Hacking for Efficiency

This hackfest presents a fantastic opportunity to leverage the power of crowdsourcing for a
more efficient and needs-based disaster response. Here are some potential solutions to the
challenges outlined:
Solving Supply-Demand Issues:
 Pre-Disaster Needs Assessment: Develop an online platform where communities in
disaster-prone areas can identify and pre-register potential needs based on past
experiences. This allows for a faster initial response.
 Donation Matching Platform: Create a platform that connects potential donors with
verified needs from affected areas. This platform could utilize functionalities like:
o Geolocation tagging: Allows for pinpointing specific needs in affected regions.
o Demand Prioritization: Categorize needs based on urgency, allowing donors to
prioritize critical items like clean water or medicine.
o Expiry Tracking: Tracks the shelf life of perishable items to prevent waste.
Matching Supply and Demand:
 AI-powered Matching System: Develop an AI algorithm that analyzes real-time data
on available resources and needs to recommend optimal allocations.
 Volunteer Networks: Leverage pre-registered volunteers to verify and manage
donations at collection points, ensuring they match listed needs.
Validating Requirements:
 Community Reporting App: Create an app where affected individuals can report their
specific needs, with verification layers like community leader or local NGO approval.
 Image/Video Verification: Integrate image and video upload features within the
reporting app to offer visual proof of needs.
Broadcasting Requirements without Tech:
 Low-Tech Communication: Establish partnerships with local radio stations to
broadcast verified needs lists regularly.
 Community Outreach Teams: Train volunteers to physically visit neighboring
communities with limited access to technology and register their needs.
Ensuring Timely Fulfillment & Real-time Updates:
 Drone Delivery Systems: Explore the feasibility of utilizing drones for delivering
critical supplies to remote or inaccessible areas.
 Crowdsourced Logistics Network: Develop a platform where verified individuals with
transportation capabilities can volunteer to deliver resources to affected areas.
 Real-time Need Updates: Integrate a mechanism within the reporting app for residents
to update their needs as the situation evolves.
Additional Considerations:
 Offline Functionality: Ensure key functionalities of the app (reporting needs, verifying
resources) are accessible even with limited internet connectivity.
 Multilingual Support: Cater to diverse communities by offering the platform and
communication channels in multiple languages.
 Data Security and Privacy: Implement robust data security measures to protect
sensitive information collected through the platform.
By implementing these solutions, we can create a more responsive and efficient disaster
management system, ensuring that donated resources reach those who need them most, when
they need them most. Remember, the success of these solutions relies heavily on open
communication, collaboration between organizations, and empowering local communities.

FOCUS

(i) Code and Design

 Focus:
o Building user-friendly mobile apps for:
 Pre-disaster needs assessment.
 Real-time needs dashboard and location-based resource matching.
 Crowdsourced damage assessment and volunteer network integration.
o Developing an online platform for smart donation matching.
 o Integrating low-bandwidth communication tools and volunteer networks.
 Technical Considerations:
o Prioritize offline functionality for mobile apps in disaster zones.
o Design a scalable and secure platform for handling real-time data.
o Leverage AI for data analysis (damage assessment, needs prioritization).
(ii) Innovation and Desirability
 Uniqueness:
o Pre-emptive needs assessment allows proactive planning.
o Location-based matching optimizes resource allocation within communities.
o Integration of AI personalizes donations and prioritizes needs.
o Low-bandwidth communication tools ensure information reaches even
disconnected areas.
 Target Audience:
o Individuals, communities, NGOs, and relief organizations.
o Emphasis on empowering communities through self-reporting and local solutions.
(iii) Usability
 User Interface:
o Simple, intuitive interfaces for mobile apps and the online platform, catering to a
diverse user base.
o Focus on clear visuals and minimal text for low-literacy environments.
o Offline functionality with minimal data usage for mobile apps.
 Accessibility:
o Multi-lingual support for the platform to reach a broader audience.
o Explore options for voice-based interaction for users with limited mobility.
(iv) Demo and Presentation
 Demonstration:
 o Develop mockups and prototypes for mobile apps and the online platform.
o Showcase real-time scenario simulations displaying needs assessment, resource
matching, and delivery processes.
 Presentation:
o Create a compelling presentation highlighting the problem, proposed solutions,
and expected impact.
o Emphasize ease of use, scalability, and potential for long-term disaster
preparedness.
o Include visuals like infographics and user storyboards to effectively communicate
the solution's benefits.