In the face of a changing world, disasters, whether natural or man-made, remain one of the most pressing threats to the safety and well-being of communities. Forest fires, floods, devastating earthquakes, pandemics (Covid-19), industrial accidents, and many other tragic events regularly test our ability to prevent, respond to, and recover from them.

In this context, technological advances are crucial in improving our ability to cope with disasters. Monitoring, communication, and crisis management technologies help strengthen our ability to anticipate disasters, coordinate our response efforts, and accelerate the process of resilience.

In each phase of a disaster, technologies can be exploited. For example, in the pre-disaster phase, technologies can be used to monitor weather conditions, detect natural disaster risks and improve infrastructure design. Early warning systems can also be useful in alerting people of the risks of natural disasters before they occur. During crises, technologies can be used to facilitate the coordination of relief, locate victims, determine needs, etc. Finally, in the post-crisis phase disaster, technologies such as drones can be used to provide medical assistance in disaster-affected areas, and other technologies such as virtual or augmented reality can train and prepare first responders to deal with emergencies.

With this in mind, and as part of the Himaya Innov’days 2024, the CERIST (Research Centre on Scientific and Technical Information), in collaboration with the Algerian Civil Protection, the University Yahia Farès of Medea, and the DGRSDT (Directorate-General for Scientific Research and Technological Development) is organizing a hackathon with the following main objectives:

• Drive innovation by bringing together creative minds to solve complex disaster management problems;
• Foster interdisciplinary and cross-sectional collaboration to develop innovative solutions for emergencies;
• Develop functional prototypes and practical and operational ideas to address the specific challenges of disaster management;
• Create an environment conducive to learning, experimentation and development of concrete and functional solutions dedicated to disaster management;
• Encourage entrepreneurship advance ideas and support initiatives that have a positive impact on society in the field of civil protection.