LATEST EARLY WARNING ALERTS
Working together to create a Safer World
Pacific Disaster Center (PDC Global) is an applied research center managed by the University of Hawaii that supports the most demanding governmental and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) worldwide in helping to create a safer, more disaster resilient world. For more than 25 years, we’ve helped our partners enhance disaster management capacity, save lives, and reduce disaster losses through the application of our advanced tools and technologies, evidence-based research, and analytical information.
The Center’s DisasterAWARE platform is used by tens of thousands of disaster management professionals—from the senior-level decision maker to the operational practitioner. It provides global multi-hazard early warning, hazard monitoring, and risk intelligence to support rapid and effective disaster response, preparedness, recovery, and mitigation. DisasterAWARE includes the highest resolution all-hazards impact models, advanced analytical reports, and augmented information through artificial intelligence. The system features the largest, scientifically-vetted big data catalog for disaster management decision making in the world—derived in part from PDC’s unique National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment as well as its Global Risk and Vulnerability data.
DisasterAWARE provides near real-time analytics about impacts to population, capital, and key infrastructure for multiple hazards, calculating likely humanitarian needs down to a scale of 30 x 30 meters. DisasterAWARE is free to disaster management practitioners and the humanitarian assistance community at https://disasteraware.pdc.org.
Customized versions of DisasterAWARE have been deployed by PDC in locations around the world and are used operationally by national and regional disaster management agencies for all aspects of disaster management.
PDC’s mobile app, Disaster Alert, is also free and designed for use by the public as well as disaster managers on-the-go. It offers customizable early warning alerts for any type of natural hazard in any location around the globe. Visit https://disasteralert.pdc.org.
In addition to offering advanced decision support technology, PDC is pioneering the scientific application of artificial intelligence for disaster risk reduction through its AI for Humanity™ program. Learn more about these innovations at www.pdc.org/ai-for-humanity.
The Center also provides specialized research on a range of topics ranging such as national fragility, national disaster preparedness, women, peace and security, and climate change. PDC also supports disaster preparedness training and exercises.
A brief history of PDC
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Iniki to the Hawaiian Islands in 1992, Pacific Disaster Center was conceived as a center to improve systems of communication and technology for disaster prevention at home and beyond. PDC now serves a global audience, helping to increase disaster management capacity and embolden more effective decisions, policies, and actions for a safer world.
Our Team
Executive Management
Ray Shirkhodai is responsible for PDC’s strategic development, market and partnership expansion, and all aspects of the enterprise operation. Serving in information management and senior leadership roles since 1991, Ray first joined PDC in 2002 as the Chief Information Officer before his selection for Executive Director in 2007. During his tenure at PDC, Ray architected PDC’s flagship DisasterAWARE® risk intelligence platform and mobile applications, developed and oversaw strategies for PDC’s expansion into the global hazard and risk reduction markets, and increased the Center’s competitive project revenues, augmenting PDC’s base research and operating budgets. Ray has led the Center’s support of major international disaster relief operations. He has served as a chief technology advisor to regional and national disaster management offices around the world. Ray has written for numerous United Nations publications on analytical software design for risk reduction. He has been an invited keynote speaker, lecturer and participant at many international events focused on technologies for risk reduction and resilience. Ray is on the advisory board of the University of Hawaii Maui College Applied Business and Information Technology (ABIT) program. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from George Mason University followed by graduate studies in Artificial Intelligence at George Mason University.
Ray Shirkhodai
Executive Director
Dr. Erin Hughey is the Deputy Executive Director of the Pacific Disaster Center. A recognized leader in global disaster management and disaster risk reduction, Dr. Hughey developed the only operationalized approach to the United Nations Sendai Framework for Action. Known as the National Disaster Preparedness Baseline Assessment (NDPBA), this program has been implemented by more than 20 countries worldwide and aids national, regional and international disaster risk reduction initiatives. With a PhD in geography, Dr. Hughey has dedicated her life’s work to the innovation and the application of new science and technology for disaster management—empowering practitioners and senior leadership alike with the tools and information needed to support data-driven decision making.
Erin Hughey, PhD
Deputy Executive Director
Dr. Joseph Green is an expert in the practical application of risk information for humanitarian assistance and resilience-building initiatives worldwide. His analytical work spans more than two decades, with specialized focus on the examination of the intersection between social vulnerability, health outcomes, and disaster resilience. Joseph earned his PhD in epidemiology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Prior to earning his PhD, Joseph earned a master’s degree in medical geography from the University of South Florida and worked as a research fellow at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Joseph Green, PhD
Director of Applied Science
Todd Bosse has more than 20 years of experience implementing disaster management projects and activities. His work has helped solve real-world problems and provided support to humanitarian assistance agencies in times of crisis by applying the latest science and technology for improved decision making in a variety of national and international settings. Collaborating on projects in more than 40 countries on five continents, Todd’s specialty is in bridging the technology sector with practitioners in need, building knowledge and skills through a unique blend of academic, professional, and field-based experiences. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Bowling Green State University and an Executive Master of Business Administration from the Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Todd Bosse, EMBA
Interim Director of Global Operations
Cassie Stelow, MS
Director of Information Technology
Scott Okada, BBA, MBA
Director of Finance & Administration
Chris Chiesa has more than 30 years of experience developing and leading enterprise applications of geospatial information technologies and has been actively involved in disaster management activities for the past two decades. He directs international deployments of PDC’s disaster management decision support DisasterAWARE® platform. Chris has extensive programmatic and institutional experience in the Asia Pacific region. His work has also taken him to Europe, Central and South America, and Africa. In 2005, Chris received Esri’s prestigious Special Achievements in GIS Award in recognition of the Center’s support to the Indian Ocean tsunami response. He holds degrees from the University of Michigan (BSME, MSNR) and the University of Arizona (MBA).
Chris Chiesa, MS, MBA
Director of Early Warning Systems
Other Staff
Bear (Bernd) McConnell
Senior Advisor
Steve Recca has held several security policy positions with the State Department, Department of Defense, and in academia. He was Director of the University of Colorado Springs Center for Homeland Security where he managed research programs in civil security, defense-related topics, as well as institutional and government agency collaborative relationships. He is on the Editorial Review Board of four peer-reviewed journals and is a frequent guest lecturer on civil security topics for academic institutions across the United States. Steve holds a Master’s in National Security Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Steve Recca
Humanitarian Assistance Programs Senior Advisor
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We were excited to rejoin our longtime partners at the AHA Centre this week to mark the completion of another important milestone in the ASEAN region. With support from USAID, PDC has successfully upgraded the AHA Centre’s custom version of DisasterAWARE — DMRS (Disaster Monitoring and Response System) — strengthening regional capacity for hazard monitoring and early warning.
The closing event wrapped up a productive week of capacity-building activities with AHA Centre staff, focused on enhancing early warning across Southeast Asia. This included expanded user training, as well as specialized training on systems administration and data.
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningforAll #AHACentre #ASEAN #OneASEANOneResponse #DisasterAWARE #DMRS
AHA CENTRE
U.S. Mission to ASEAN (USASEAN)
In addition to providing updates on fire activity, evacuation areas, perimeters, exposure, and other vital information to support ongoing response efforts across the Los Angeles area, DisasterAWARE also provides wind forecast data. This information is crucial, as strong winds and critical fire weather are expected to continue.
For the Public:
>>> The "Winds (Surface Velocity & Forecast)" layer can be viewed on our free Disaster Alert app, under Layers > Featured Layers). Note: The wind dates and forecast times are in UTC/GMT time.
>>> Search "Disaster Alert" in the Apple App Store or Google Play app store to download
For Emergency Managers:
>>> Request access to DisasterAWARE Pro here: disasteraware.pdc.org
#California #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #losangelesfire #losangeles #californiawildfires #californiafires #palisadesfire #eatonfire #hurstfire CAL FIRE California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
PDC continues to support the ongoing response to multiple major wildfires across the Los Angeles area. Shown are updated screenshots of evacuation zones and air quality. Monitor DisasterAWARE and our Disaster Alert app for updates to those layers and more!
For the Public:
>>> Continue to monitor your local authorities
>>> Download PDC’s Free “Disaster Alert” app (search “Disaster Alert” in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.)
>>> The layers shown in the attached screenshots are available under Layers > Hazards and Events > Wildfire
For Emergency Managers:
>>> Request access to DisasterAWARE at disasteraware.pdc.org
#California #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #losangelesfire #losangeles #californiawildfires #californiafires #palisadesfire #eatonfire #hurstfire #kennethfire #lidiafire
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services CAL FIRE
Sending aloha to our partners in Indonesia! We had the wonderful opportunity this week to kick off the New Year together by celebrating the successful reinstatement of InAWARE at BNPB (Indonesia’s national disaster management authority). InAWARE is a custom version of PDC’s global, multi-hazard, early warning system – DisasterAWARE – for Indonesia.
Working closely with BNPB, INVEST DM, and the donor USAID, the closing meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on and highlight the important role InAWARE plays in Indonesia’s disaster risk reduction efforts, as a key component of the country’s multi-hazard early warning infrastructure.
We commend you on your continued dedication and commitment towards building resilience and a #SaferWorld!
#EarlyWarningforAll #Indonesia #Disasters #BNPBIndonesia
Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana USAID Indonesia Mercy Corps Indonesia
California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
CAL FIRE
Los Angeles Fire Department
County of Los Angeles
#california #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #losangelesfire #losangeles #californiawildfires #californiafires #la #palisadesfire #eatonfire #hurstfire #sunsetfire
We continue our support to authorities as firefighting efforts and evacuations persist in response to multiple major wildfires threatening the Los Angeles region. Attached screenshots of DisasterAWARE depict evacuation zones and air quality (monitor DisasterAWARE and the Disaster Alert app for the latest updates).
For the Public:
>>> Continue to monitor your local authorities
>>> Download PDC’s Free “Disaster Alert” app (search “Disaster Alert” in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.)
>>> The layers shown in the attached screenshots are available under Layers > Hazards and Events > Wildfire
For Emergency Managers:
>>> Request access to DisasterAWARE at disasteraware.pdc.org
#Wildfires #California #SouthernCalifornia #Fires #DisasterAWARE #SantaAnaWinds #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #losangelesfire #losangeles #californiawildfires #californiafires #la CAL FIRE California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
In addition to providing critical updates and analytics on areas immediately impacted by the multiple wildfires affecting the Los Angeles area, DisasterAWARE also includes updates on air quality observations for the wider area.
For Emergency Managers >>> Request access to DisasterAWARE at disasteraware.pdc.org
For the Public:
>>> Monitor your local emergency management for critical updates
>>> Download PDC’s “Disaster Alert” app (search “Disaster Alert” in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.)
#Wildfires #California #SouthernCalifornia #Fires #DisasterAWARE #SantaAnaWinds #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld
CAL FIRE California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Tens of thousands have evacuated as multiple, life-threatening wildfires, driven by extreme winds, continue to impact the Los Angeles area. This is a very dangerous and quickly developing situation.
PDC is supporting authorities with updates via DisasterAWARE as the situation continues to unfold. The screenshots depict locations where wildfire ‘hotspots’ have been observed, along with updates on evacuation zones provided by CalOES (at the time the screenshots were taken).
For Emergency Managers >>> Request access to DisasterAWARE at disasteraware.pdc.org
For the Public:
>>> Monitor your local emergency management for critical updates
>>> Download PDC’s “Disaster Alert” app (search “Disaster Alert” in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.)
#Wildfires #California #SouthernCalifornia #Fires #DisasterAWARE #SantaAnaWinds #EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld
CAL FIRE California Governor's Office of Emergency Services
Happy New Year! Looking back at 2024, we had the privilege of working alongside so many incredible and dedicated partners around the world. As we say aloha to the new year, we take a moment to acknowledge and commend you for your ongoing commitment to building a more resilient and #SaferWorld.
Enjoy these highlights of some of the partner engagements we shared on social media in 2024. Looking forward to continuing our collaborations in 2025!
#HappyNewYear #EarlyWarningForAll #GlobalPartnerships #BuildingResilience #recap #2024recap
Make it your new year’s resolve to keep you and your loved ones safe from disasters!
Download the free Disaster Alert app today to receive early warnings about natural and manmade hazards around the world!
>>> Available on Google Play or the iOS App Store (Search "Disaster Alert" in the app stores)
#EarlyWarningforAll #SaferWorld #DisasterAlert
On the 20th anniversary of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Pacific Disaster Center opened up about its role in the long-term response and recovery—sharing how the tragedy transformed the small Center in the middle of the Pacific and forever changed the world.
WATCH ALL 7 KEY TAKEAWAYS ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED AND IF WE’RE SAFER TODAY (SEE COMMENTS BELOW):
#SaferWorld #EarlyWarningForAll #indianocean #tsunami #disasteraware
December 26 marks the 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami that killed more than 228,000 people across 14 affected countries. It was the worst tsunami and cross-border humanitarian crisis in recorded history.
The Pacific Disaster Center shares never-before-seen photographs and recounts its long-term response and recovery efforts within the region and abroad, answering questions about what we've learned and whether we're safer today.
Stay tuned for our 6-part video interview series with PDC team members detailing the events that unfolded on that day and what the Center has done since 2004 in partnership with the region and global partners to build resilience, increase early warning capacity, and better anticipate future risks.
www.pdc.org/2004-indian-ocean-tsunami
#indianocean #tsunami #EarlyWarningForAll #disasteraware #SaferWorld
ASEAN
AHA CENTRE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)
World Food Programme
United Nations OCHA
Badan Nasional Penanggulangan Bencana
www.pdc.org
Two decades have passed since one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history claimed the lives of 228,000 people across 14 countries. For a younger generation, there’s little awareness o...