LoRa-Connect: A Unified System for Flood Search and Rescue Operations
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21640536Keywords:
LoRa communication, disaster response system, flood search and rescue, Internet of Things, embedded system, wireless sensor networksAbstract
This study developed and evaluated LoRa-Connect, a unified communication system designed to support flood search and rescue operations in Barangay Bulac, Minalin, Pampanga. The study responded to recurring flood risks caused by typhoons and heavy rainfall, particularly in areas where cellular signal and Internet connectivity may become unreliable during emergencies. Using applied, descriptive, and quantitative approaches, the system integrated EchoBand wearable devices for civilians and rescuers, a Raspberry Pi-based central node, a web application for command monitoring, and an Android mobile application for rescuer task coordination. Purposive sampling involved seven residents using EchoBands, eight rescuers and barangay personnel, and four technical experts in computer and electronics engineering. Data were gathered through system testing and a user acceptance survey and were analyzed using weighted means and descriptive interpretation. Results showed positive user acceptance, with civilian ratings for the EchoBand in ease of use, reliability, and effectiveness at 3.325, 3.425, and 3.250, respectively. Rescuers also rated the device, web application, and mobile application within the Agree category, while technical experts rated system architecture, compliance and security, performance and reliability, integration and maintenance, and overall system evaluation from 3.50 to 3.67, interpreted as Strongly Agree. The system met its intended functions by enabling SOS reporting, location tracking, task allocation, and offline mapping support, with reported localization accuracy of 30 to 40 meters and practical battery performance. The findings indicate that LoRa-Connect can strengthen barangay-level flood rescue coordination, although further enhancement in accessibility, emergency alerts, user training, and community-level deployment readiness is recommended.
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