Uttarakhand floods: Google launches Crisis Map to aid rescue operation

Even as you're reading this, rescue operations are on in full swing in the flood ravaged areas of Uttarakhand. Now, in an attempt to lend a hand to rescue operations underway, Google has launched its Crisis Map for Uttarakhand, only days after launching its Person Finder tool.

Announcing the launch in an official blog post, Jayanth Mysore, Senior Product Manager at Google India, said that the tool is an early version that is aimed at providing quick information on places affected, relief centres, medical centres and road closures. With time, more information may be added to this list. Google hopes that real-time information will prove helpful to all the agencies working in a disaster affected zone.

Google's Crisis Map

Google is relying on information submitted by users to improve the accuracy of the tool. If you do have some information that can help the operations, Google’s urging you to write to them at – uttarakhand-crisis@googlegroups.com. Alternatively, you can view the Crisis Map here.

Last week, Google activated its Person Finder tool for Uttarakhand flood victims. This tool is now open to all and is available in both Hindi and English. The web application has two parts – "I’m looking for someone" and "I have information about someone" – both of which are self-explanatory. Upon clicking “I’m looking for someone” option, the user will be prompted to enter either the name or parts of the name of the person they’re looking for. If there is any entry about the person, then it will show up. If a user has any information about someone, then he or she will be prompted to enter the person's first name and his or her family name.