West Coast Disaster Management Centre uses various technology tools to regulate safer environments in the West Coast region. From this high-tech centre, located in Moorreesburg, various community- and rural-safety interventions are being coordinated.
The centre uses a range of tools for effective emergency and disaster response.
These include UNITI, a web-based platform for management and communication, NAVIC for vehicle recognition, various early warning systems, weather forecast tools and WhatsApp groups for communication and coordination.
One of the technology tools that has changed the scope of community safety and disaster management strategies is the use of drone technology. Drones are being used during collaborative safety interventions such as search and rescue, event management, traffic and law-enforcement operations and anti-poaching operations.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, they can execute safety operations fast, accurately and cost-effectively. Footage captured by these drones are then livestreamed to the Emergency Response and Prevention Operational Centre in Moorreesburg.
The head of the Disaster Management Centre, Franquin Petersen, said the municipality understands the benefits of technology. “The recent disasters that hit the region forced us to think differently about our strategies,” he said.
“During the drought, Covid-19, raging fires and the recent floods in our region, the use of drone technology during rescue and humanitarian relief efforts proved invaluable.”
Sashin Septoo, one of the trained drone pilots at the municipality, said there was significant potential and opportunity in using drones to create safer environments in communities.
“It is very rewarding when I can assist people or contribute to community safety operations by using the drone,” he said.
“Through effective partnerships and collaboration I am sure we will be able to maximise the benefits of using technology at the Disaster Management Centre.”
The municipality’s drones and technology are also being used during major events in the region as it assists with event monitoring during the implementation of event safety plans.
