The global market for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in disaster risk management is experiencing explosive growth. According to a new report by InsightAce Analytic Pvt. Ltd., the market, valued at US$ 479.5 billion in 2023, is projected to surge to US$ 2,150.1 billion by 2031 growing at an impressive CAGR of 21.3%.
The increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters worsened by climate change and rapid urbanization is driving the urgent need for smarter disaster response solutions. AI is playing a transformative role by enabling predictive analytics, early warning systems, real-time risk assessment, and faster recovery optimization. These technologies process massive data sets, from satellite imagery to historical disaster patterns, to predict threats with greater accuracy and improve resilience planning.
Leading companies like IBM, Microsoft, Google, Intel, and Amazon Web Services are spearheading innovations, making disaster management smarter and more efficient. Governments and private sectors across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific are investing heavily in integrating AI with IoT devices and satellite monitoring systems, improving disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies worldwide.
However challenges such as high infrastructure costs, data privacy concerns and resistance from traditional disaster management systems remain. Experts also warn of the importance of ethical guidelines to ensure that AI-driven decisions during emergencies are transparent and accountable.
Understanding Earthquakes: Formation, Measurement, and Safety
While AI is helping predict and respond to disasters like earthquakes, it’s important to understand how earthquakes form, how they are measured, and what precautions people must take.
How Earthquakes Form
Earthquakes are caused by sudden movements of the Earth’s crust, mainly along faults fractures between large blocks of the Earth’s outer shell. These movements happen due to the immense pressure from tectonic plate movements. When the pressure becomes too great, the rocks break, releasing energy in the form of seismic waves, causing the ground to shake.
How Earthquakes are Measured
Earthquake strength is measured:
- Magnitude: Measures the energy released at the source of the earthquake, commonly measured using the Richter Scale or more modernly the Moment Magnitude Scale (Mw) Each whole number increase means about 32 times more energy released.
For example, a 7.0 magnitude quake is 10 times more powerful than a 6.0.
- Intensity: Describes the effects and damage caused by the earthquake at specific locations, often measured by the Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale.
Seismographs are instruments used to detect and record the seismic waves produced by earthquakes.
Precautions for People During an Earthquake
Before:
- Identify safe spots like under sturdy tables or against inside walls.
- Prepare an emergency kit with water, food, flashlight, first aid supplies, and important documents.
- Practice earthquake drills at home and school.
During:
- Drop, Cover, and Hold On: Drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy object, and hold on until shaking stops.
Stay indoors if you are inside. Move away from windows, mirrors, and heavy furniture that could fall.
If outside, move to an open area away from buildings, trees, and power lines.
After:
- Check yourself and others for injuries.
Be prepared for aftershocks.
Avoid using elevators.
Follow official guidance on evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions.
As disasters become increasingly unpredictable, the fusion of advanced AI technologies with a clear public understanding of natural phenomena like earthquakes will be crucial to saving lives and minimizing damage.