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The everyday tech helping to prevent disasters

The groups using tech to save lives after natural disasters like earthquakes and fires

For International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction (October 13th), we're finding out how technology can help prevent disasters, save lives and help rescuers. In Argentina, we鈥檒l meet Franco Rodr铆guez Viau whose family friends lost their home in a fire, inspiring him to find a way of tracking wildfires. He was just a teenager when he began developing an app that combines NASA satellite imagery with other data sources to identify and intercept fires before they become unmanageable. Meanwhile in Colombia, podcasters and sound engineers tell us about using their specialist recording equipment and live analysis of sound to detect breathing and tapping beneath earthquake rubble, helping rescuers locate survivors.

People Fixing The World from the 91福利社 is about brilliant solutions to the world's problems. We'd love you to let us know what you think and to hear about your own solutions. You can contact us on WhatsApp by messaging +44 8000 321721 or email peoplefixingtheworld@bbc.co.uk. We release a new edition every Wednesday - just search for The Documentary wherever you get your podcasts.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Producer: Claire Bowes
Colombia Reporter: Laura Ubate
Editor: Jon Bithrey

(Image: A man holding sound equipment helping with rescue efforts in Cali, Colombia following the earthquake of August 2026, credit Mateo Guzman)

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Mon 19 Oct 2026 02:06GMT

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