Smartphone apps, video game technology and Twitter feeds are to be recruited to help survivors of disasters as part of a British government scheme aimed at making increased use of social networking technology in rescue work after earthquakes, floods and famines.
The scheme will support projects with £48.5m of Department for International Development funding over three years out of existing aid funds. Technologies to be explored as part of the project will include:
■ Mobile phone and satellite technology – already used in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake – to track survivors and help deliver aid.
■ Twitter and social media channels to reach those affected, including direct guidance on medical issues.
■ Gaming technology to train people in disaster response scenarios.
■ Smart cards to deliver cash payments to those worst affected by disaster.
■ The use of Google Earth and e-mapping to locate people and disaster hotspots.
"The simple fact is that the frequency and severity of disasters will continue to increase and international governments need to stay one step ahead, encouraging a Tomorrow's World culture," said international development secretary Andrew Mitchell, who will outline his proposals at the World Bank on 20 April.