The Flood Hack event at Tech City proved that tech is more than just gadgets, but that it could be used to aid flood victims across the UK.
The event briefed teams from Tech City to use government data to create useful resources and digital services that could help people affected by the floods.
The Flood Hack was attended by over 100 people including developers and engineers from Google, Facebook and Microsoft.
The Environment Agency had been gathering flood data, but only making it available to people willing to pay a license fee. The event hoped to change this.
The Environment Agency made the data available on Friday evening, with statistics and data updated every 15 minutes for hackers to view live situations across the UK. The data came from every flood sensor in the country.
Teams devised plans that could help in the relief effort. They then presented their ideas in two minute pitches to a panel. The best ideas were awarded nominal prizes.
Ideas included ‘Don’t Panic’ – a system that allows people to request and receive help in a flood situation, with or without internet access.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted on Sunday: "Great to see the UK’s digital community coming together to develop tech solutions to respond to flooding."
With the devastating effects from the floods, we hope that some of the event’s great ideas can become a reality, and help to aid those affected across the UK.
