Harnessing AI for Disaster Preparedness and Relief

In its magnificent complexity, nature can be awe-inspiring, providing us with breathtaking landscapes and life-sustaining resources. Yet, it also possesses a darker side—one that reminds us of our vulnerability in the face of its mighty forces. Natural disasters, the catastrophic events brought by the Earth’s geological and meteorological processes, serve as potent reminders of this duality.

From the sudden fury of hurricanes in the coastal cities to the relentless force of wildfires consuming vast forests, natural disasters come in various forms, each leaving a trail of destruction and human suffering in its wake. 

Just recently, on 8 September 2023 at 22.11 UTC, a powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 struck Morocco at 18.5 km depth. The epicenter was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh. This powerful earthquake destroyed vast amounts of property; over 50,000 houses were damaged and left over 2000 people dead, and another 2421 people were reported to be seriously injured(i). 

This devastating event highlighted the critical need for advanced technology in disaster prevention and relief efforts. The impact of such natural disasters can be significantly mitigated by exploring innovative solutions, both in disaster preparedness and post-disaster response.

In this article, we will explore how emerging technologies like AI can provide invaluable insights into earthquake prevention and post-disaster response efforts and how we can also use them to help in disaster prevention and management.

Disaster Prevention

• Early warning systems

Early Warning Systems (EWS) are advanced technological setups designed to detect and monitor potential natural or human-made disasters in real-time or near-real-time. Implementing state-of-the-art seismic sensors and early warning systems could have been instrumental in predicting the earthquake, allowing authorities to issue timely alerts. Utilizing AI algorithms to analyze seismic data, these systems can provide advanced warnings, enabling evacuation procedures and minimizing casualties.

One such system is the US  ShakeAlert system, managed by the U.S. Geological Survey. The system’s primary purpose is to reduce the impact of earthquakes and save lives and property.

• Risk Assessment and Infrastructure Resilience

AI-driven predictive analytics can be used to assess geological data, the vulnerability of buildings, and soil composition. This information helps identify high-risk areas and enables engineers to design earthquake-resistant structures. AI simulations also predict the impact of earthquakes on different infrastructures, aiding in resilient urban planning.

Through these, disasters like earthquakes would have less impact on buildings and other structures, which in turn would save lives and reduce the destruction effects caused by powerful earthquakes.

Post-disaster Response- Technology in action

• Drones for damage assessment

The use of drones to assess damage after disasters has been adopted by many countries. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras provide real-time imagery, aiding rescue teams in identifying areas of immediate concern. This swift assessment would have facilitated the prioritization of rescue efforts, ensuring timely aid to the worst-affected areas,

hence saving a lot of lives(ii). 

Drones are also advantageous in ensuring the safety of the personnel involved. This is because surveying damaged areas can be dangerous, with the risk of aftershocks, unstable structures, and hazardous materials.

Using drones, human surveyors can be kept at a safe distance, reducing the risk of injury or loss of life.

• Telemedicine and AI-Powered Healthcare

Telemedicine is the use of telecommunication technology to provide healthcare services remotely. AI in Telemedicine could be used to enable remote consultations with medical professionals. AI algorithms can assist in diagnosing injuries from images and video feeds, allowing victims to receive medical advice and even prescriptions remotely. Wearable devices with AI can monitor vital signs, providing real-time health data to healthcare professionals for remote patient monitoring.

This could help reduce the severity of injuries and thus save lots of lives after the earthquake.

• Psycho-Social Support

AI-driven chatbots equipped with natural language processing capabilities can engage with survivors, offering psychological first aid. These bots identify signs of distress and refer individuals to mental health professionals, ensuring that emotional support is accessible to those in need. (iii)

In conclusion, embracing AI technologies in disaster management equips nations with powerful tools to prevent, prepare for, and respond to seismic events. By integrating AI into early warning systems, relief operations, healthcare services, and communication channels, countries can enhance their resilience against earthquakes, safeguard their citizens, and ensure a swift, effective, and compassionate response in the face of disasters. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, harnessing the potential of AI is not just an option. It is a crucial step toward a safer, more resilient future.

References

1. How do earthquake early warning systems work? Caltech Science Exchange. Available at: https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/earthquakes/earthquake-early-warning-systems (Accessed: 03 October 2023).

2. What is ShakeAlert®? (no date) ShakeAlert. Available at: https://www.shakealert.org/ (Accessed: 02 October 2023).

3. Frąckiewicz, M. (2023) The use of drones in earthquake damage assessment, TS2 SPACE. Available at: https://ts2.space/en/the-use-of-drones-in-earthquake-damage-assessment/

4. Ai in Telemedicine: Use Cases & Implementation – TATEEDA: Global (2023) TATEEDA. Available at: https://tateeda.com/blog/ai-in-telemedicine-use-cases (Accessed: 03 October 2023).