How PDC Weathers Storms With Predictive Operations Tools

For over two decades, the Pacific Disaster Center (PDC) has been at the forefront of utilizing information and communication technology to mitigate disaster risks and provide humanitarian aid globally, driven by the aftermath of Hurricane Iniki in 1992. The center developed DisasterAWARE, a comprehensive platform that aggregates real-time data on weather and disasters to support emergency management by organizations like the American Red Cross and the United Nations. This data is made accessible to the public through the Disaster Alert web platform and mobile app, offering critical information on risks and response strategies. The system's effectiveness hinges on its ability to deliver precise data quickly, a capability enhanced by PagerDuty, which has reduced IT incidents by 50%, ensuring timely alerts and interventions, as evidenced during Hurricane Lane. PDC's ongoing mission is to improve disaster preparedness by providing communities with timely information and resources, emphasizing the importance of information as a vital tool in disaster response and resilience. Mateo Manzari, PDC’s Director of Information Technology, oversees the management of these digital platforms, leveraging his extensive experience in IT to support the center's initiatives.