The Potentials of Artificial Intelligence in Disaster Management

Written by Aminu Mohammed

Disasters have placed a significant economic burden on many countries around the world. Natural disasters affect people's livelihoods, causing deaths and destruction to property. In recent years, weather disasters such as forest fires, floods, thunderstorms, cyclones and hurricanes have continued to pose a significant challenge to national economies, particularly in developed countries.

In some developing countries, particularly in Africa, natural disasters such as floods have left millions of rural households homeless and destroyed farmlands, homes and other means of livelihood. In some cases, victims of such disasters have lost their jobs and are unable to support their families due to the loss of livestock, farmland and small-scale businesses, thereby exacerbating poverty and deprivation in these communities. 

According to the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) the 2025 Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) indicates that disasters cause a huge economic burden of about 202 billion dollars every year across the world. Thus, developing countries bear the brunt of this cost. The report emphasises that disasters largely affect the most disadvantaged members of society and increase debt in countries grappling with such issues.

In the new economy, disaster management has moved from a reactive approach to a proactive one, using data and artificial intelligence to mitigate and prevent disasters before they occur. Artificial intelligence tools can support disaster risk reduction, thereby preventing loss of life and property.

Role of artificial intelligence in disaster risk reduction 

Artificial intelligence can play a vital role in reducing disaster risk and saving lives. There is no doubt that AI tools can support the authorities and organisations in identifying danger and carrying out relief interventions to minimise loss of life and property. 

Artificial intelligence and machine learning tools have the capacity to process large amounts of data, enabling them to forecast adverse weather conditions, floods, cyclones and fires with far greater accuracy than traditional methods. This allows organisations and disaster managers to implement the necessary intervention methods to mitigate the risk of such disasters. 

Therefore, artificial intelligence is essential for organisations and individuals responsible for disaster management, as it helps them to prepare adequately to respond to disease outbreaks and infrastructure damage and collapse. Disaster managers can also strengthen the necessary infrastructure in advance by leveraging technology.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on disaster management

Artificial intelligence has benefited city administrators and government organisations by helping them to manage disasters. The Google Flood Hub is an AI device that provides flood forecasts and accurate information to help communities stay safe by taking proactive measures against flooding. 

The device enables governments and organisations to identify flood-prone areas on a map, making it easy to locate villages, hospitals and shelters. It provides flood alerts and water trend data to governments, organisations, and flood-prone communities up to seven days before a disaster occurs. This enables communities to prepare adequately, thereby preventing loss of life and property.

The government of Bihar, India, used the Google Flood Hub to provide timely information that helped avert a flood disaster in communities in the region. Through early warnings and alerts, it was found that 30 per cent of residents in Bihar experienced a reduction in medical costs following the floods. This reduction can be attributed to the authorities' proactive measures in disaster response.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has collaborated with Hitachi Systems to deploy an artificial intelligence device that enhances disaster response, particularly in the event of fires and building collapses in Tokyo, Japan. Cameras mounted on buildings and bridges detect fire outbreaks and infrastructural collapses, ensuring an emergency response. 

As soon as smoke is detected, the AI-powered device alerts the police and fire department and provides details on a screen, including reports and maps. This has enabled the Tokyo city administration to prevent harm to people resulting from building collapse or fire. 

Artificial intelligence tools have been used to mitigate the impact of earthquakes on the lives and property of citizens in southern Japan. The Japan Agency for Marine-Earth

Science and Technology (JAMSTEC) has developed an AI-powered earthquake prediction system that improves early warning systems and responsiveness. 

The AI tool can identify areas and localities prone to earthquakes within a few kilometres and uses 3D seismic data from disaster-prone zones to make predictive analyses. These predictions enable the authorities to carry out large-scale evacuations and issue timely warnings and interventions to prevent unnecessary deaths.

The Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW), in collaboration with the Robotics Innovation Centre of the German Research Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI), has developed the ROMATRIS robot. This robot can transport heavy equipment, such as generators and pumps weighing up to 150 kilograms, to areas that are difficult to access by vehicle in the event of a building collapse or gas explosion.

This AI-powered robot is a mobile assistant that is easy for volunteers to use and provides support in emergency situations, thereby reducing the risk of injury. The AI-enabled robot uses sensor technology and a camera to recognise the operator, making it easy to operate the device with hand gestures.

The device also has a 3D system that enables accurate navigation and movement across rough terrain. It has been tested and used in Wesel, Germany as an effective tool for deployment in remote locations that are difficult to reach by vehicle.

Challenges 

There is no doubt that artificial intelligence is a game changer in disaster management, as it enables an effective response in urgent situations. However, despite the inherent benefits of AI-powered devices, there are concerns about undue reliance on complex algorithms for decision-making in life-threatening situations. 

Furthermore, there are genuine concerns about the lack of trust in AI-powered robots to effectively take on the role of personnel responsible for rescuing disaster victims. In line with this, M14 People GmbH has launched several initiatives to empower organisations to use artificial intelligence for the benefit of people and the environment.

The Way Forward 

Artificial intelligence will continue to support emergency management personnel, enhancing the safety of lives and property. However, the use of artificial intelligence may pose a risk to communities as new technologies emerge. Therefore, the onus is on the government to ensure these technologies are adequately tested before they are used. 

Additionally, policymakers should engage with communities affected by disasters to build trust and ensure their concerns are addressed. These tools should be deployed in a transparent manner that takes into account the human rights of citizens.

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