Can Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning Save Us From Natural Disasters?

Artificial Intelligence and machine learning can help predict and respond to large-scale disasters like earthquake, flood and landslides. Together, they can turn into a life-saving tool during emergency and support disaster management efforts. Robots, sensors and drones based on AI and machine learning can become a relevant prototype providing accurate information during a catastrophe. In fact, several relief agencies and governments  can also use these smart analytics tools to deal with adverse situations and coordinate efficiently during disaster relief program.

With advancement in technology, we are getting access to bigger data with ease, giving us the opportunity to analyze information efficiently. When technologies like data analytics is combined with AI and ML, it creates a new version of AI, which is specific in nature and user-oriented. These systems allow users to ask relevant and to-the-point questions and in turn, deliver useful answers from the complicated dataset presently available.

Earthquake

AI based warning system can drastically improve the way we predict earthquakes. By installing sensors in buildings and nearby areas, we can detect P-waves and warn citizens in advance.

AI based warning system is based on relevant data that is installed on the computers, which in turn provide theories and models. Here, information is installed about the quality of material used for home construction, when they were built and what are the possibilities of them collapsing once earthquake hits. We can also feed data about the surrounding environment that whether the area lies in seismic zone or not, about elevation, quality of soil and the amount of humidity.

Furthermore, we can update our system with relevant data about traffic in the quake-zone area, total number of ambulances, hospitals, fire departments etc. Eventually, the computer will give information about the danger zone in advance and the number of casualties we can expect in that area. Computers will also provide theories and models with the help of machine learning technology. It uses algorithm to define the pattern and possibility of earthquakes and regularly comes up with new models.

Since, the communication system is completely disrupted during a disaster as a result, it becomes a challenging task to send help to the needy at right time. Here, AI based sensors can be used to help locate the victims.

Flood and Landslides

SE Asia is currently facing the wrath of climate change with regular flooding and water crisis. Citizens can use hashtags on Twitter related to flooding or water crisis and these tweets would be then indexed on IFIS. Similarly, we can use drones to determine the elevation and the possibility of landslides can be detected in advance.

With the help of larger-scale behavior and movement data, we can use predictive machine learning models to help officials distribute supplies to victims at the accurate place. Though predictive programming is still at nascent stage but it offers a promising future for disaster relief.

One CONCERN

The aim of one concern is to aid emergency operation centers by providing resources required during rescue operations. They plan modules for training purposes by replicating lifelike disasters. This way they can train rescuers to perform well during operations. They are using tools based on Artificial Intelligence and machine learning to map the area, allowing people to remain alert and prepared in case of natural disasters.

BlueLine Grid

BlueLine Grid is a mobile communications platform developed to assist rescue efforts during any calamity. It links all users to a recognized group of security teams, first responders and law enforcement agencies through text, voice, location and group services. This platform is reliable as it allows users to swiftly find public staff based on area, proximity or agency. It also nurtures effective connectivity, communication and collaboration.

Natural disasters show that how powerful Mother Nature is. Anything created by humanity is destructible in nature and can be destroyed by nature within seconds. In short, natural disasters are inevitable and no matter how hard we try, we cannot stop them. However, we can take help from technology to avert the destruction caused by them. AI and ML can be used together to save lives and property. But can we completely rely on these technologies? The answer is yet to be discovered.