San Francisco, like much of California, is in an area which is particularly vulnerable to strong earthquakes. The area has been nearly leveled by earthquakes in the past, and it could happen again. Luckily, strict building codes mean that most of the city's structures are designed with earthquake safety in mind, but a sufficiently strong quake could still be devastating.
Ushahidi could be an important part of recovery in the aftermath of a quake. It could be used to share essential information. Rescue workers would need to know what collapsed structures might still hold survivors in the rubble. They might also need to be alerted to fires or other collateral damage which requires immediate attention. Survivors could use the service to find places they could receive food, clean water, shelter, and medical attention. The service could also be used to identify which ways in and out of the city are safe, as a quake could easily damage the bridges and highways. It might also effect whether or not the airport, subways, and trains remain operational. Ushahidi seems like a great idea, and it could be a great asset in the wake of a significant disaster.
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