Artificial intelligence is increasingly being used across disaster preparedness, early warning, response, rescue and recovery, with recent floods in Nepal providing examples of how AI-enabled tools can support emergency operations. During the disaster, an AI-powered web portal matched crowdsourced information on missing people with official lists of the dead and injured, while open-source satellite imagery was used to map damaged buildings and structures. Drones equipped with thermal cameras also helped identify human-shaped heat signatures in debris and guide rescue teams towards possible survivors.
AI’s ability to process large volumes of data quickly is particularly relevant when time is critical. Tools such as Google’s Flood Hub, GraphCast, DisasterAWARE and SKAI are being used for applications including early warnings, hazard mapping and satellite-image analysis. Google’s Flood Hub can provide flood advisories up to seven days in advance, while AI-based forecasting can generate more localised predictions by analysing large quantities of historical weather data. Combining these forecasts with hazard maps can help authorities assess where the potential impact may be greatest.
The technology is also being applied after disasters to identify disconnected communities, assess roads, locate helicopter landing areas and prioritise relief distribution. However, the Indian Express report stresses that AI does not replace human expertise. Scientists, humanitarian workers, emergency responders and institutions remain central to interpreting information and taking decisions. The growing use of AI therefore points towards a disaster-risk model where technology improves speed and information processing, while human expertise, governance and accountability remain essential.
Want to deepen your expertise beyond today’s news?
Explore practical certification courses designed for banking, risk, insurance, compliance, ESG, AI, and emerging technologies professionals.
Learn from industry experts and earn certifications from RMAI and BFSI Sector Skill Council of India.
#Riskmanagementnews
