Washington, January 17: Online maps, mobile phone donations, wikis and a slew of websites are being deployed as telecoms firms, technology giants and start-ups set aside their rivalries and put the latest tools to work to help earthquake-ravaged Haiti.
“Technology is playing a key role in mobilising support for the victims of the Haiti earthquake and also in co-ordinating relief efforts,” said Akhtar Badshah, Microsoft’s senior director of global community affairs.
Badshah, in a blog post, said Microsoft had donated $1.25m and was working with NetHope, which brings together Care, MercyCorps, WorldVision and other humanitarian organisations with technology companies.
Cisco and Intel are also members of NetHope, which is seeking to establish internet connectivity for the various relief agencies on the ground helping victims of Tuesday’s quake, which left tens of thousands of people dead.
Microsoft said a NetHope Haiti Emergency Centre was already serving as a focal point for reports, events, contact lists and collaboration.
Google, besides making a $1m donation for rescue and relief, offered its online mapping and satellite imagery tools to aid workers so they can better evaluate damage and co-ordinate responses.
—Agencies