This chapter explores the transformative integration of GPUs and AI accelerators in natural disaster management, ushering in resilience and rapid response. From early warning systems to recovery, these technologies enhance decision-making and mitigate the impact of escalating disasters. Specific applications include real-time data analysis, predictive modelling, GIS mapping, and resource allocation. The fusion of GPUs and AI accelerators not only improves disaster prediction and response but also fosters resilient communities. Motivated by the need for rapid decision-making, this integration addresses the limitations of traditional methods in the face of increasing disaster complexity. In navigating an uncertain future, GPUs and AI accelerators revolutionize disaster management, paving the way for a more resilient global society.
TopIntroduction
Natural disasters, stemming from geological, meteorological, hydrological, and climatological processes, are catastrophic events that exert profound impacts on the Earth's ecosystems, human societies, and infrastructure. Earthquakes, characterized by sudden ground shaking resulting from tectonic plate movements, can lead to tsunamis and surface ruptures, affecting global regions but particularly prevalent in seismically active zones. Hurricanes, typhoons, and cyclones, intense tropical storms with strong winds and heavy rainfall, primarily impact coastal areas in tropical and subtropical regions, causing storm surges and flooding. Tornadoes, violent rotating air columns, bring destructive winds and debris, primarily affecting regions like the United States. Floods, caused by heavy rainfall, storm surges, or rapid snowmelt, result in inundation, property damage, and loss of life, occurring globally and influenced by topography and weather patterns (Muhammad et al., 2023). Wildfires, uncontrolled fires in vegetation-rich areas, lead to ecosystem destruction, property damage, and air quality issues, predominantly in dry climates. Volcanic eruptions, involving the release of magma, ash, and gases, impact regions along tectonic plate boundaries with lava flows, ashfall, and the potential for pyroclastic flows. Droughts, prolonged periods of below-average rainfall, induce water scarcity, crop failure, and famine, affecting diverse climates and geographical locations (Llenos et al., 2019). Landslides, downhill movements of rock, soil, and debris, pose threats to property and lives, occurring frequently in mountainous or hilly terrain, particularly after heavy rainfall. Understanding the distinct characteristics and potential impacts of each natural disaster type is fundamental for devising effective disaster preparedness and response strategies.
The escalating frequency and severity of natural disasters underscore the critical need for advanced technologies in disaster management. Over recent decades, the world has witnessed a concerning uptick in the occurrence of earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other calamities, impacting communities, economies, and ecosystems on an unprecedented scale (Mousavi et al., 2020). Climate change, urbanization, and population growth contribute to the intensification of these disasters, amplifying their destructive potential. Rising sea levels, altered precipitation patterns, and increased temperatures exacerbate the vulnerability of regions to weather-related disasters, while urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure magnify the impact of geological events. The compounding effects of these factors necessitate a paradigm shift in how we approach disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.