Technology has provided humanity with numerous capabilities, from discovering disasters to managing and addressing them, and reducing the resulting losses. From earthquakes to hurricanes, floods, tsunamis, rising temperatures, increased poverty rates, hunger levels, and other natural and humanitarian disasters, how can technology play a role in disaster management?
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What is Disaster Management?
In this world, numerous disasters have occurred, with their impacts being evident and measurable. Disaster management involves taking appropriate actions based on the event, finding ways to mitigate losses, and compensating for damages to the environment and people. It also includes collecting data from disaster management actions, evaluating them, and developing more effective plans for future events. Disaster management is divided into predicting disasters, preparing for them in the future, and recovering from their aftermath.
How Does Technology Play a Role in Disaster Management?
In the past, humans managed disasters manually through experience, recording events, and sharing knowledge with their descendants. However, with the technological revolution, disaster management methods have been significantly improved. They now include better prediction capabilities, response planning, and analyzing possible outcomes. Here are some technological methods used in disaster management:
- Predicting Disasters Using Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI technologies enable humans to analyze meteorological and geographical data to predict the likelihood of disasters, providing governments with opportunities to take appropriate measures to protect citizens. Moreover, AI systems gather past disaster data and offer advice based on the current scenario. However, AI systems still require higher precision in analysis, data collection, and advice generation.
- Remote Sensing via Satellites: Satellites play an increasingly complex role as they monitor seismic activity, volcanic activity, and rising water levels. These data help identify high-risk areas, allowing emergency teams to allocate resources and identify the most vulnerable individuals more clearly. Satellites are evolving yearly, becoming more precise and flexible in identifying disasters and crises.
- Smartphone Applications and Early Warnings: Alerts sent by governments to citizens during or before disasters allow individuals to take appropriate measures, reducing disaster-related losses.
Examples of Using Technology in Disaster Management
- The Pacific Ocean Tsunami Warning System: Some countries have employed innovative technological systems to reduce tsunami damage by analyzing changes in sea pressure, transmitting water activity data via satellites, and providing early warnings to residents about the potential event.
- Crisis Management Applications in Japan: The Japanese have used mobile applications to warn residents about earthquakes and tsunamis. These applications also provide advice on how to act during such crises or disasters.
How Can the Use of Technology in Disaster Management Be Improved?
Technology has provided humanity with everything, from rapid communication to easier research and development, and opportunities for training and qualification. Humans must invest in tools that protect them and ensure their survival. Cooperation with others is essential to establish proper coordination, exchange expertise, and contribute to enhancing disaster response capabilities. Conducting training for local teams is crucial to provide them with opportunities for rescue and relief operations and equip them with the necessary expertise to manage disasters smoothly.
Benefits of Applying Disaster Management Through Technology
The benefits of technology in disaster management include rapid response, cost reduction by taking appropriate measures, and improved coordination with countries for assistance and with citizens for taking precautions. Rapid response is achieved through the use of modern technologies for alerts and accessibility. Cost reduction is realized by making appropriate decisions for recovery from the crisis, and improved coordination is achieved through direct communication with citizens and countries for relief efforts and implementing appropriate measures.
The Possibility of Errors in Technology Predictions
Technology is not fully operational worldwide, and it is not possible to determine the accuracy of the information and data it provides, as they are ultimately based on probabilistic predictions. Additionally, technological systems may malfunction during disasters, hindering humanity's ability to rely entirely on technology for disaster management. Humans cannot fully predict disasters using technology or confirm their occurrence, nor can they take actions based on data that is not 100% accurate. Therefore, while technology remains an important resource in disaster management, it cannot be entirely relied upon.