Ranau Disaster Drill
Optimizing disaster-drill processes with WhatsApp and geoBingAn.
In 2023, GeoThings collaborated with Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), and the Asian Disaster Reduction Center (ADRC) in Ranau to conduct a highly efficient, innovative disaster-response drill on the geoBingAn platform.
Participants used WhatsApp for disaster reporting, integrating data into geoBingAn. This lowered the learning curve dramatically — through simple, everyday conversations, responders reported disaster information quickly and accurately.
On the platform, integrated data was processed and presented through statistical charts, dynamic disaster maps, and timelines, giving participants a clear view of the situation and decision-making support.
The drill demonstrated the potential of ICT to improve disaster response, providing practical experience for all parties and a successful example of international collaboration.