Taipei: A Taiwanese non-governmental organization focusing on national security announced its partnership with Microsoft Taiwan to develop an advanced disaster response and reporting management system. This initiative aims to enable disaster relief units from both the government and private sector to efficiently integrate disaster response, reporting, and volunteer recruitment plans.

According to Focus Taiwan, the Forward Alliance has developed the iCanHelp app, which will be linked to the new system. By utilizing data and open resources from organizations such as the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the platform will provide the public with access to practical manuals, allow them to report disaster situations, view response maps, and register as volunteers through the app. This is intended to increase public participation in disaster preparedness.

Between 2021 and 2023, Taiwan experienced approximately 50,000 natural and man-made disasters, leading to economic losses that exceeded NT$72.5 billion (US$2.45 billion), as noted by the alliance while citing statistics from the Executive Yuan's annual white paper on disaster prevention and response. These events, including typhoons, earthquakes, floods, and fires, have significantly impacted people's lives, infrastructure, and economic activities.

Given Taiwan's susceptibility to natural disasters due to its geographical location, the alliance aims to integrate resources from various sectors by establishing a coordinated emergency response, reporting, and coordination system. Enoch Wu, founder of the alliance and a politician from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, emphasized in the statement the importance of enhancing societal efficiency to reduce losses.