Harnessing AI for Disaster Management: Bridging Technology and Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a crucial tool in disaster management, particularly in reducing potential losses. However, for AI technologies to be truly effective, a strong legal and policy framework is necessary. This would ensure that officials can rely on these advanced tools for making preventive decisions, stated a UNDRR official on Monday.

At the AI Impact Summit, Sujit Mohanty, Chief of Intergovernmental Interagency Cooperation at the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, highlighted India's progress in using AI for predictive analysis in disaster management. He noted the rapid development in this technological space, which has enabled solutions that were previously unimaginable.

Despite the potential of AI-driven solutions, Mohanty emphasized the need for legal backing to aid decision-makers, such as district magistrates, in crises. While advanced apps exist, without policy support, these tools risk remaining underutilized. India's innovative use of AI offers a blueprint for other countries, potentially reducing the global annual disaster loss of USD 200 billion.