The role of artificial intelligence in disaster recovery

In an era marked by the increasing frequency of major natural and manmade disasters, the imperative for effective disaster recovery planning and response has never been more pronounced. As communities grapple with the aftermath of hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires, pandemics and other crises and emergencies, the integration of innovation technologies has emerged as a beacon of hope for more resilient and efficient recovery efforts. Standing at the forefront of this technological revolution is artificial intelligence (AI) — a transformative force with the potential to revolutionise every facet of disaster recovery. While the benefits are substantial, challenges in AI implementation are evident. These challenges underscore the need for continuous research and development efforts to unlock the full spectrum of AI’s potential benefits. The journey toward harnessing AI in disaster recovery is dynamic, requiring ongoing innovation to overcome existing limitations. Navigating the evolving systems of AI in disaster recovery planning, the amalgamation of benefits, challenges and ongoing evolution underscores the pivotal role that AI plays in shaping the future of resilient disaster response. This paper identifies where AI can play the most significant positive role for disaster recovery.