Cloud computing for natural disasters and emergency response simulation games

Abstract

The Philippines is one of the most hazard-prone countries in the world. This is due mainly to its geographic and geologic location and physical characteristics. The country is situated in the"Pacific Ring of Fire", between two tectonic plates (Eurasian and Pacific), an area encircling the Pacific Ocean where frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity result from the movements of said tectonic plates. Recent statistics show that worldwide the Philippines has one of the highest number of people affected by natural disasters and has one of the highest disaster risk index. The country is exposed to a variety of hazards such as floods, earthquakes, typhoons, storm surges, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, landslides, droughts, etc. To increase awareness on tsunamis and other natural hazards in the Philippines and to promote disaster preparedness, risk reduction and management we conducted a study among young people in the country using computer simulation games developed by the United Nations/International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction. Called "Stop Disasters!", this online game features five natural hazards: (1) tsunami, (2) hurricane, (3) wildfire, (4) earthquake, and (5) flood. The subjects of this study are mainly teen-Agers from public and private high schools, college level students from public and private universities, and young professionals. The study assessed the benefits of using computer simulation games in disaster risk reduction and the Filipino youth's perception on the disaster simulation game, "Stop Disasters!" After each game, the respondents were asked the following questions: (1) Do you think that computer simulation games can be beneficial in disaster preparedness, risk reduction and management? (2) What do like best in the game "Stop Disasters!"? (3) What don't you like in the game "Stop Disasters!"? (4) Would you recommend the game "Stop Disasters!" to your friends or relatives? Why or Why not? (5) Did the game "Stop Disasters!" increase your understanding of disaster preparedness, risk reduction and management? (6) Give suggestions/recommendations on how to improve the game "Stop Disasters!". Results of the study show that young people find the use of computer simulation games such as "Stop Disasters!" beneficial in improving their understanding of disaster preparedness, risk reduction and management. Recommendations on how to improve the simulation game "Stop Disasters!" to suit local situations/conditions in the Philippines are given. Cloud computing as a tool for disaster simulation games is also explored.