People Fixing The World The everyday tech helping to prevent disasters
Oct 13, 2026
Franco Rodríguez Viau, an Argentine innovator and co-founder of Satellites on Fire, is developing AI tools to spot wildfires early. Colombian reporter and podcaster Laura Ubaté explores sound brigades using specialist microphones to find survivors beneath earthquake rubble. From satellite data and fire simulations to synchronized listening operations, discover inventive technology helping rescuers act faster and communities prepare for disaster.
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Podcasters Formed A Sound Brigade In Cali
- Laura Ubate joined a Colombian sound brigade after an earthquake to help locate people trapped under collapsed buildings.
- More than 30 podcasters and audio professionals volunteered within hours through a WhatsApp group.
Rescue Audio Requires More Than Microphones
- Audio expertise mattered as much as equipment because rescuers needed people who could distinguish breathing or faint tapping from rubble noise.
- The brigade’s members relied on years of professional experience with deep listening.
Create Silence Before Listening For Survivors
- Establish silence before searching: ask everyone to stop, shout into the rubble, and wait at least two minutes for a response.
- Use the recordings to identify both sound and silence, redirecting rescuers away from unresponsive areas.