Panasonic Wireless Disaster Response Solution Holds Promise in Indonesia
The government of Indonesia is testing an innovative new solution based on wireless technology from Panasonic to improve its natural disaster response efforts.
As the world’s fourth most populous nation, the beautiful country of Indonesia is a vast archipelago comprised of more than 13,000 islands and home to 238 million people. Situated along the edges of the Pacific, Eurasian and Australian tectonic plates, Indonesia is no stranger to natural disasters, and in particular, earthquakes and tsunamis.
According to PreventionWeb, in just a 30 year span from 1980-2010, Indonesia was struck with 321 natural disasters, averaging nearly three major earthquakes affecting approximately 275,000 people each year. While measures have been taken to lessen the impact of these natural disasters, it can be difficult to assess damage to disaster-struck areas and keep lines of communication open between first responders, especially when infrastructure is affected.
Together with the Indonesian Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, the BPPT, Panasonic is testing a new wireless disaster response system that promises to help organizations improve their information-sharing and coordination efforts. Encompassing technology ranging from mobile devices to solar panels, the goal of the solution is to equip agencies with the tools to more efficiently and effectively respond to those in need in high-stress disaster situations.
Components of the disaster response solution include:
- Rugged, wireless-enabled mobile devices such as Panasonic Toughpad JT-B1 7-inch Android tablets allow staff members to keep lines of communication with command centers open while dispatched to affected areas and evacuation sites. With the tablets’ connectivity and built-in 13MP cameras, response teams can share still images and video of events right from the scene. Their sunlight-readable, anti-reflective touchscreens; high-capacity, user-replaceable batteries and the ability to withstand inclement weather and rough outdoor use make the Toughpad tablets ideal for use in a disaster response scenario.
- To help caution against incoming disasters such as a tsunami, designated shelter sites are installed with Panasonic network security cameras supported by self-sustaining green power supply systems. This power supply is equipped with off-grid capabilities providing electricity even when power lines are damaged. Panasonic’s IP66 compatible dustproof and waterproof network security cameras are built to be installed outdoors without the need for special housing, and their high-quality video footage can warn of impending dangers in real-time.
- All incoming information and camera footage captured at the various shelter sites and from deployed response teams are sent via wireless to the command center. There, large-screen Panasonic digital flat panel displays allow teams to view incoming data, pinpoint the damaged location on a map, and coordinate the deployment of aid and assistance to those areas immediately.
The trial in Indonesia will help Panasonic—and potentially other industry leaders—gather critical information that can be used to design and implement similar large-scale response systems in disaster-prone areas around the world. Since its early days, Panasonic has held the philosophy and promise to contribute to the progress and development of society and the well-being of people worldwide. This commitment holds true in our support of the BPPT and continued efforts to lend aid for communities in need. Visit our website to learn more about Panasonic’s solutions for business.
