Millions affected, hundreds killed
In Bangladesh, flooding is a major issue, especially during the rainy season when torrential rains cause waterways to expand and flood huge tracts of area. Millions of people across India and Bangladesh have been affected by raging floods and landslides that left more than 300 people dead and entire communities devastated in 2022. For days, people were marooned by water, without food and water supplies.
Recent technical developments have made it possible to create tools and features that can help people get ready for flooding and lessen its effects. One such instrument I think is Google Maps, which can be used to give people in Bangladesh’s flood-prone regions useful information.
Flood Map Overlay
A flood map overlay function could be added in order to assist with the flooding situation. This overlay would showcase the extent of the flooding in real-time by making use of data obtained from various sources, such as the Bangladesh Water Development Board and the Department of Disaster Management. By using this overlay, people could quickly see which areas are affected by flooding and plan their travel routes accordingly.
Flood Warning Notifications
Google Maps could add flood warnings to the app. These warnings would be triggered when a specific area is at risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall or rising water levels in nearby rivers. Users in the affected area would receive a notification on their device, along with instructions on what to do to stay safe. This feature can also be used by authorities to send out warnings and evacuation orders to the affected population.
Damage Assessment Tool for Authorities
A flood damage assessment tool can be used by authorities to assess the extent of flood damage in different areas. The tool can use satellite imagery to determine the level of destruction caused by floods, and authorities can use this information to determine the necessary relief efforts.
Evacuation Route Planner
Google Maps could add an evacuation route planner. When flooding occurs, people may need to evacuate their homes quickly to avoid danger. By using Google Maps, people could enter their location and see the best evacuation route to take, based on real-time traffic data and the extent of flooding in the area.
Flood Shelters
Another feature that provides information on flood shelters. During flooding, many people may need to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in designated areas. By using Google Maps, users could quickly locate nearby shelters and get directions on how to reach them. This would be particularly useful for people who are not familiar with the area, or who have recently moved to a new location.
Social Media Usage
Google Maps can integrate with social media platforms to provide real-time updates on floods. Users can post updates, photos and videos on social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube, and Google Maps can collect this information and display it on the app. This feature can help people stay informed about the flood situation in different areas and help them make informed decisions.
Empowering Local Communities
Google Maps can also integrate with local community organizations to provide users with information on community-based flood response and recovery efforts. Users can access information on volunteer opportunities, donation drives, and other community-based efforts aimed at helping those affected by floods.
Google Maps has the potential to be a valuable tool in helping Bangladesh prepare for and respond to future floods. With the right support and investment, it could play an even greater role. These features can help save lives, reduce damages caused by floods, and improve disaster preparedness and response.
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