Published on December 24th, 2024
Introduction
The number of natural disasters occurring worldwide has seen a significant rise over the past six decades. In 1960, there were 39 reported incidents, while by 2023, the number had reached 399, with climate change exacerbating the frequency and severity of these events. These disasters often leave communities vulnerable and struggling to recover. In response, organizations are increasingly turning to innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance disaster response efforts. AI can help streamline data analysis, improve early warning systems, and optimize resource distribution, ultimately saving lives and improving recovery processes. This article explores how AI is being used to support people and services during natural disasters, focusing on two case studies: Shaqodoon Organization in Somalia and the World Institute on Disability (WID).
Shaqodoon Organization’s AI-Enhanced Early Warning System
Shaqodoon, a Somali organization dedicated to addressing youth unemployment, has expanded its tech capabilities to support disaster resilience. One of its major initiatives is the Saadaal disaster early warning system, which aims to help communities prepare for extreme weather events such as floods and storms.
In partnership with Tech To The Rescue (TTTR), Shaqodoon participated in an AI Accelerator program to enhance this system. The goal was to improve its effectiveness by incorporating machine learning and AI to analyze large sets of data. The updated system aggregates real-time weather data, historical patterns of rainfall and flooding, and compares them to generate customized reports. These reports are then shared with government officials, who can issue toll-free alerts to local communities and farmers, helping them prepare for and respond to impending disasters.
AI plays a crucial role in transforming vast amounts of data into clear, actionable insights, making it easier for officials to take appropriate action. The system is designed to be adopted by the federal government and, eventually, made available to the public to empower local communities with disaster management tools.
The World Institute on Disability’s AI-Powered Tools for Disability-Led Organizations
Another significant example of AI in disaster management comes from the World Institute on Disability (WID). WID is dedicated to advocating for the rights of people with disabilities, ensuring they are not left behind during disaster responses. People with disabilities are disproportionately affected by disasters, facing greater challenges due to inaccessible early warning systems, evacuation procedures, and shelters. WID’s goal is to ensure that disability-led organizations have the resources they need to be effective in disaster situations.
To achieve this, WID joined TTTR’s AI Accelerator program, developing two AI-powered tools. The first is a user-friendly AI agent that acts as a first point of contact for disability-led organizations during disasters. This tool helps these organizations articulate their needs and match them with appropriate resources. The second tool is a real-time web-scraper that identifies patterns in disaster data and resources, allowing for more efficient coordination and faster responses.
The AI tools can significantly reduce response times, helping to deliver much-needed resources quickly. For example, AI could potentially reduce the turnaround time for delivering essential supplies from months to just days. By streamlining the logistics and matching disability-led organizations with the right partners, these AI tools empower these organizations to be more proactive in disaster preparedness and response.
The Power of AI in Disaster Management
AI has the potential to revolutionize disaster management by making processes more efficient and data-driven. It enables the analysis of large data sets to identify trends and predict future events, allowing governments, NGOs, and other organizations to respond faster and more accurately. In the case of Shaqodoon, AI has made it possible to provide timely, actionable insights to communities at risk, while in the case of WID, AI tools help disability-led organizations improve their disaster response efforts.
By leveraging AI, these organizations can optimize their operations, provide better support to vulnerable communities, and ensure a more equitable disaster response. This technological shift is not only enhancing the quality of disaster relief efforts but also improving the resilience of communities affected by climate change.
Conclusion
As natural disasters continue to escalate in frequency and intensity, the role of AI in disaster management becomes increasingly crucial. Organizations like Shaqodoon and WID are at the forefront of using AI to enhance early warning systems, improve resource distribution, and ensure that no one is left behind during a disaster. By harnessing the power of AI, these organizations are making disaster response more efficient, faster, and more inclusive. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to improve disaster management and save lives will only grow, offering hope for a more resilient future in the face of natural disasters.
