Harnessing Satellites, Drones and Artificial Intelligence for Risk Assessment and DRR Mitigation Measures

This learning lab highlights innovative flood and landslide risk assessments from Laos and India, focusing on their significance and applications. It fosters dialogue between risk mappers and disaster management practitioners to assess the operational value of remote sensing, Al, and advanced surveying techniques. By facilitating an open dialogue between risk mappers and disaster risk management practitioners, the lab aims to evaluate the operational value of remote sensing, earth observation, artificial intelligence, and advanced surveying techniques juxtaposing emerging technologies with real-world conditions.

Co-organized by NDMA India and SDC's Regional Hub in Bangkok, this learning lab emphasizes the critical role of disaster risk assessments in disaster risk management and development. Drawing from two innovative case studies in India and Southern Laos, the lab aims to share best practices and lessons learned on leveraging new technologies for risk assessments. Participants will explore the potential and limitations of remote sensing, earth observation, and artificial intelligence in risk mapping, assessing their operational value for field practitioners.

In India, landslides pose significant risks, especially in mountainous regions experiencing rapid urbanization and development. NDMA promotes enhanced resilience against landslide hazards by integrating advanced surveying technologies with bioengineering techniques alongside traditional approaches. This case study will cover various surveying methodologies, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), integration of Internet of Things, Al, and satellite technologies for real-time monitoring and predictive analytics to develop erosion and deposition assessment models. Participants will also learn about the advantages of bioengineering over structural measures. The case study will showcase monitoring of the sites to develop community-based early warning systems with ensured last-mile connectivity and local resilience for effective landslide mitigation.

In Southern Laos, the changing climate and increasing extreme weather events challenge the effectiveness and sustainability of SDC's investments in disaster risk management (DRM), which include financial and technical support for dam safety and early warning systems. This case study focuses on probabilistic flood risk mapping, utilizing remote sensing, earth observation, and Al. It highlights initial efforts to downscale, triangulate, and supplement existing high-resolution global data with targeted Al and imagery products, as well as ground data. Participants will also learn about innovative public-private sector collaborations between SDC, the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre, and startup companies specializing in making geospatial data analysis accessible for vulnerable communities through GenAI and GeoAI tools.

Following these case studies, the learning lab invites participants to share their experiences and raise concerns regarding the use of new technologies in risk assessments. This interactive session will be organized into thematic sub-sections to maximize peer learning opportunities.

In addition to representatives from NDMA and SDC, speakers from the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre (ADPC) in Bangkok and the Swiss startup Ageospatial will contribute to the learning lab.