The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has launched a smartphone application named Landslide Inventory, which aims to provide real-time data on landslides based on community reporting, weather forecast, and previous landslide data.
The application was launched on Sunday at an event at a hotel in Gulshan, Dhaka, organized by Save the Children and the BMD.
However, the app is not yet available on Google Play or the Apple App Store. Android users can currently download it via a Google Drive link.
Asif Uddin Bin Noor, climate service expert of the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System for Africa and Asia (RIMES), told Dhaka Tribune: “We have started the process of publishing the app on Google Play Store soon. We will publish it through the BMD’s account.”
Department of Disaster Management Director General Razwanur Rahman urged everyone to share the app with all stakeholders who can use it effectively.
“The government has early warning protocols for floods and cyclones. The next step is harnessing technology to ensure that communities are prepared and alert. I believe that our collective technical experience and skills can make that a reality,” he added.
He also said: “Disaster management committees exist from the national level down to local ward levels. They work together to prepare and respond when disasters happen.”
“We need to make sure tools like the Landslide Inventory app are available to them to help in their efforts,” added Razwanur.
Save the Children and RIMES aim to train a group of people, including young people and members of union disaster management committees, on how to use the app to help their communities.
