In the wake of unprecedented catastrophes like Hurricane Maria, the Grenfell Tower tragedy, and the most recent earthquake in Syria and Turkey, disaster management has become more critical than ever. Over the last few years, natural disasters have caused more destruction than usual. According to figures released in 2017, catastrophes resulted in an estimated $306 billion worth of damage worldwide!

New technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are creating opportunities to make a difference in situations where every second counts. No longer do we have to rely solely on search-and-rescue efforts from first responders--we can use predictive analytics to help us better prepare for disasters ahead of time, alert citizens when threats arise, anticipate resources needed during an event, so we don't run out or be caught unprepared, as well as reduce long term damage by helping target recovery efforts specific to the affected community's needs.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through how AI and IoT can revolutionize crisis response with real-life examples from cities around the world that are already implementing these technologies into their emergency management strategies.

In today’s world, disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods are an ever-present risk. Using technology to aid disaster management may sound like a far-off dream. Still, the reality is that advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) are making it more possible than ever. By deploying these technologies for tracking risk areas, monitoring conditions, and providing real-time information, disaster management can be more efficient and successful. Through AI and IoT-enabled tools and sensors, we could respond faster to disasters and anticipate them on time with greater accuracy and efficiency. This could result in decreased casualties and damage, paving the way for a swift recovery.

1. IoT Networks for Weather Base Stations

Disaster management teams can monitor IoT networks of weather base stations as an early warning system for hurricanes and tropical storms. Early detection is critical to ensuring the safety of residents in the area; these networks are designed to detect changes in air pressure that could indicate an oncoming hurricane or tropical storm far sooner than manual tracking methods allow. This allows them ample time to alert nearby communities so they can take necessary precautions before it’s too late.

Using an IoT network for monitoring storms has several advantages over traditional detection methods. For one, it allows emergency response teams to get accurate readings from multiple locations, giving them access to more data than ever before. Additionally, having this data available in real-time makes it easier for them to make informed decisions about how best to respond when a hurricane or tropical storm is heading their way. Using such a network also dramatically reduces the time it takes for these teams to detect oncoming storms—allowing them enough time to alert nearby communities and minimize potential damage and destruction.

2. Sensors on Trees

Sensors on trees are used to predict drought conditions that increase the risk of forest fires. The sensors measure temperature and humidity levels around a tree; if sustained readings indicate an increase in dryness or heat within its environment over a certain period, then it may be an indication that drought conditions are present in the area and likely fuel for a potential forest fire if combined with other environmental factors (e.g., lightning strikes).

This information can help communities prepare for natural disasters such as forest fires by providing early warning signals or increasing resources in affected areas ahead of time. This technology can also monitor climate change by measuring temperature, humidity levels, wind speed, etc., over time.

3. Mobile App Alerts

SkyAlert is one example of an early warning system in Mexico that uses a mobile app, standalone devices, and an IoT solution running on Microsoft Azure to provide alerts up to two minutes before a quake hits. As a result, SkyAlert is highly effective in reducing casualties and damages caused by earthquakes. For example, when a magnitude 8.1 earthquake hit Mexico City in 1985—the deadliest quake in Mexico’s history—over 10,000 people perished due to insufficient warnings issued too late for people living near fault lines or the epicenter. However, with modern-day early warning systems like SkyAlert, millions of Mexican citizens living near active fault lines can move swiftly out of harm's way before extensive damage occurs.

4. Drones and Satellites Provide Accurate Data

Data from drones and satellites are invaluable for disaster response teams, who must assess damage quickly to prioritize their efforts. Drones can provide high-resolution aerial imagery with an accuracy of up to 5 cm/pixel – significantly more detailed than traditional satellite images, which average 20 cm/pixel. This data helps responders locate victims needing assistance or better understand the breadth and depth of damage caused by disasters. AI algorithms are also used to process this data faster and more accurately than manual methods could manage.

5. AI-Powered Chatbots aid Victims and Responders alike

During an emergency, having access to accurate information can be difficult due to limited communication channels or restricted access to certain areas. AI-powered chatbots can provide lifesaving information about evacuation routes, nearby medical facilities, and other critical advice for those affected by the disaster which may not have immediate access to a person who can answer their questions directly. For responders, chatbots can provide quick answers regarding best practices for managing particular hazards or how best to deploy available resources depending on current conditions on the ground – again, without having direct contact with another human being involved in the response effort.

As we have seen, IoT technology plays an indispensable role when it comes to disaster preparation and response efforts all over the world today. In today's digital age, where so much data is generated daily, responders must have access to reliable sources quickly to make informed decisions when responding to natural disasters or other emergencies requiring swift action. By leveraging these tools and others like them, we can ensure that our response teams are fully equipped with up-to-date information to make decisions that will best serve those affected during times of dire need - when it matters most! If you are an IoT technology supplier and manufacturer, create a free IoT2Market account for more insight into disaster management and response systems.