S31V - Cache Me If You Can - ReLink

Inspiration

The recent influx of wildfires across Western Canada, which destroyed entire communities, inspired us to take action. Seeing such devastation unfold so close to home opened our eyes to how urgently people need reliable and accessible ways to find help during disasters. We wanted to create something that could make a real difference when it matters most.

What It Does

ReLink provides a fast, versatile, and secure platform for individuals seeking immediate aid after natural disasters. Many victims do not have the time or knowledge to access help from public charities or government organizations. ReLink bridges that gap by connecting people directly with local helpers and resources. It also integrates live alerts from both user reports and satellite climate data to ensure that no one is caught off guard when disaster strikes.

How We Built It

We used Python to handle the backend logic, managing user authentication, post creation and storage, real-time chat, and alert processing. For live disaster updates, we integrated the EONET (Earth Observatory Natural Event Tracker) API for real-time natural disaster data and the OpenStreetMap API to provide dynamic location mapping and visualization. On the frontend, we used React, JavaScript, HTML, and Tailwind CSS to create a clean, responsive, and intuitive interface that users can easily navigate during high-stress situations.

Challenges We Ran Into

One of the biggest challenges was getting the APIs to function correctly and ensuring that the frontend and backend connected smoothly. Integrating multiple systems while maintaining consistent data flow and live updates required patience and extensive testing. Debugging these issues helped us strengthen our technical problem-solving skills and teamwork.

Accomplishments We’re Proud Of

Implementing live natural disaster alerts using both user reports and external data.

Creating a post and group chat system that allows users to connect and share resources within seconds.

Building a platform that, if fully deployed, could help save lives, families, pets, and belongings during times of crisis.

What We Learned

Through ReLink, we learned the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in real-world development. We deepened our understanding of backend and frontend integration, database management, and user interface design. Most importantly, we realized that technology can be more than a tool; it can be a way to protect and unite communities.

What’s Next for ReLink

Moving forward, we plan to:

Integrate real-time mapping APIs for disaster visualization and user location tracking.

Add AI-based risk prediction using weather and satellite data.

Develop a mobile app version for faster and more accessible communication.

Partner with local emergency organizations to ensure verified aid and resource distribution.

Our goal is to make ReLink a community-driven emergency network that helps people not only survive disasters but recover together.

Built With

Submitted to

Hack the Change 2025

Created by

I contributed mainly to the backend of the project, building and connecting the API endpoints that power the app's post features. This was my first time using both React and Node.js, so each time I encountered an issue—whether with syntax, logic, or simple file misplacements—I took the initiative to research, debug, and learn on the fly.

In addition to backend development, I worked on the beta version of the frontend to test and prototype the features needed for the project. I played a key role in proposing and implementing enhancements such as:

Narrowing search results by geolocation radius (so users only see relevant posts)

Laying the groundwork for edit/delete post features

Through this process, I gained hands-on experience with full-stack web app structure, version control, and troubleshooting common developer hurdles. My work helped ensure the application is both functional for users and easy for the team or future contributors to expand.

Mudit Jindal
I worked on the Map development using the OpenStreetMap API, and connecting the backend storing location info to the frontend rendering pins on the map

Harold Kim
Luca Suanez
ayush sreejith
Adam El Khayat
Mudit Jindal