Chula Digital War Room: Chula Network for Disaster Response – A Centralized Hub for Flood Alert Information and Management in Thailand’s Southern Border Provinces 

Chulalongkorn University has enhanced its disaster management capabilities by launching the Chula Digital War Room under the Chula Disaster Solution Network (Chula DSN). This initiative aims to assist those affected by flooding in the southern border provinces of Thailand by serving as a critical hub for data and coordination in disaster response. Its functions span from early warning and situation forecasting to evacuation planning and emergency relief, utilizing advanced technology and data analysis to identify optimal locations for evacuation centers. 

Professor Dr. Wilert Puriwat, President of Chulalongkorn University, presided over the inauguration of the Chula Digital War Room, emphasizing its role as part of the “Chula Disaster Solution Network.” This collaborative effort brings together experts from diverse fields, including geoinformatics from Chulalongkorn University, water resource specialists from Prince of Songkla University (Pattani campus), the Civil Affairs Division of the Fourth Army Area, local administrative officials, government agencies, and volunteer networks in disaster-affected areas. Chulalongkorn University is committed to supporting society with its guiding principle: “When society faces problems, Chula has the answers.” 

The Chula Digital War Room consolidates and analyzes critical data for disaster response, enabling precise identification of risk zones and facilitating prompt and accurate collaboration with local volunteer networks. The initiative also partners with the State Railway of Thailand, which provides free transportation of relief supplies to flood victims. Additionally, the project conducts post-crisis reviews to enhance knowledge and build disaster response capacity for future incidents. 

Professor Dr. Santi Pailoplee from the Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, highlighted the in-depth data analysis capabilities of the Chula Digital War Room: “Our comprehensive datasets allow us to address the challenges faced by disaster victims effectively. From identifying high-risk areas to assessing the overall impact of disasters, the data can pinpoint roads likely to be cut off by flooding, determine safe evacuation routes, and identify suitable locations for command centers, such as schools, hospitals, or temples, capable of accommodating large populations safely.” 

Dr. Santi also emphasized the precision of the data, which can be localized down to the household level. This enables communities to prepare and respond proactively to disasters, reducing risks and impacts significantly through timely evacuation and planning. 

Associate Professor Dr. Siridej Sujiva, Vice President of Chulalongkorn University, stated: “Through collaboration with various organizations and the use of precise data analysis technologies, the Chula Digital War Room demonstrates Chulalongkorn University’s dedication to being a knowledge hub and a sustainable problem-solving leader for Thai society.” 

Thai PBS television has also utilized analyzed data and coordinates from the Chula Disaster Solution Network to establish evacuation centers for affected populations, marking another milestone in leveraging academic knowledge for societal crisis response. 

The network has coordinated with local volunteer groups to deploy small fishing boats for transporting food and essential supplies to evacuation centers swiftly. Furthermore, the project has allocated partial funding to set up these centers, ensuring effective aid delivery to disaster victims. 

Join the Effort 

Support flood victims in Thailand’s southern border provinces by donating essential items for distribution through the Fourth Army Area by December 12, 2024, or contributing financially via https://engagement.chula.ac.th/dwarroom/contributions 

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