As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to spark debates around its potential impacts, it is crucial to recognize how this technology can be a force for good, especially in the realm of disaster management. This year’s World Humanitarian Day, observed on August 19, emphasizes the role of innovation and technology in enhancing our ability to respond to crises. By showcasing how various organizations and private sector entities are leveraging #TechForGood to #ActForHumanity, we can explore the transformative power of AI in disaster preparedness and response.
AI-Powered Disaster Preparedness: A Case from Peru
One of the most significant challenges in disaster management is managing the overwhelming amount of information available and ensuring that the right people receive the most pertinent updates. For instance, a fisherman in coastal Peru needs timely alerts about potential hurricanes, tsunamis, or port closures. This is where the AI-powered “Centro Informativo” (Information Center) developed by Hombro a Hombro comes into play.
Hombro a Hombro utilizes AI to sift through vast amounts of data provided by government agencies, prioritizing and refining this information for accuracy and relevance. A dedicated team then disseminates the curated information across 67 media outlets, including radio, television, and social media, at no cost. This targeted approach ensures that communities receive timely and localized disaster preparedness recommendations, significantly enhancing their resilience.
Early Warning Systems: Collaboration for Zero Fatalities
In Sri Lanka, telecommunications company Dialog Axiata PLC, in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management Sri Lanka (A-PAD SL), has made significant strides in disaster prevention. Through the “Sayuru” platform, Dialog Axiata issues early warning messages for storms, cyclones, and tsunamis, tailored to specific regions. This targeted communication has been instrumental in preventing fatalities within the fishing industry since 2022.
Similarly, in the Philippines, the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) employs the Hazard and Disaster Analysis for Business Resilience (HANDA) system. This platform provides real-time updates on weather events, flooding, casualties, and other critical information, enabling businesses to assess risks and plan disaster responses more effectively. By integrating this technology, companies can synchronize their relief efforts with ongoing business continuity plans, ensuring a more coordinated and efficient response to disasters.
Innovative Solutions in Emergency Response
In 2017, Sri Lanka’s PickMe app, a popular mobile taxi-hailing service, introduced a groundbreaking feature called SOS in collaboration with A-PAD SL. During severe weather events, stranded individuals could activate the SOS function, allowing the app to pinpoint their location for rescue operations. This feature was particularly vital during the 2017 floods and landslides, facilitating approximately 1,000 boat and 50 helicopter evacuations through the SOS function.
These examples highlight the crucial role of the private sector in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. As outlined in the “Innovation in Disaster Management: Leveraging Technology to Save Lives” report, produced by CBi in partnership with the UNDP SDG AI Lab, the private sector’s involvement extends beyond mere funding. Companies are becoming key players in driving new ideas and solutions, integrating innovation and technology to enhance disaster management practices.
As we celebrate World Humanitarian Day, these stories serve as a reminder of the potential AI and other technologies hold in safeguarding lives and livelihoods during disasters. By continuing to foster collaboration between the private sector, government agencies, and humanitarian organizations, we can harness the full potential of AI to build a more resilient and prepared world.