The River Aire experiences minor flooding multiple times a year. In recent years, this flooding seems to have increased progressively both in frequency and degree. On at least two occasions in as many years, the museum where I work has been closed down and both the public and workers evacuated as water multiple feet deep lapped up against the base of the building (which is, incidentally, about 15-20 feet or so from the river). As both a worker and resident of this part of the city, I am, unsurprisingly, concerned about the potential that this phenomenon will grow steadily worse.
Should a substantial flood hit portions of Leeds, a system like Ushahidi will be immensely useful on many levels. It will allow stranded individuals to pinpoint their locations to rescue workers. It will allow places where certain vital resources are being held (medical supplies, building materials, food, etc.) to highlight themselves so that both victims and relief workers will know where to go for needed goods. Finally, it will allow those willing to help to have access to up-to-date information on what is going on and where, so that they can act accordingly.
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