Danang and Facebook launch a partnership with Facebook on disaster response and digital capacity building on July 31.
State employees will be trained to use Facebook more efficiently to gather information and work with the public. Facebook also introduced its Data for Good programme which has a disaster map and population density map for Vietnam.
The population density map can be used by local agencies to build prevention plans. This map was made with published or commercial data is three times more detailed than other maps. It has the real-time information sharing feature which will be a huge help in preparation for evacuation or rescue missions.
According to Nguyen Thi Phuong, deputy director of the Department of Information and Communication, this is an important programme that marks the first partnership between Danang and one of the top international firms in building a smart city. The programme will help improve the skills of civil servants and the public.
Danang is often hit by storms and floods. Since two years ago, the local standing committee on natural disasters prevention already started using Facebook to provide information to locals. Their Facebook page updates the news regularly and has about 15,000 followers. In some cases, the images and news on their page have garnered 40,000-50,000 interactions.
The page has helped connect the authorities and the citizens to help develop better prevention plans.
Facebook in Vietnam Public Policy Department Director Nguyen Anh Nguyet confirmed that their data could help the needy during a crisis. This programme further consolidates Facebook's commitment to promoting positive social impacts in Vietnam through technology.
