The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, has revolutionized disaster management practices, particularly in the context of natural disasters. In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the integration of innovative smart connected devices and platforms, including drones and UAVs, into the extensive network of the internet of things (IoT). The integration of AI and drones into the IoT network presents numerous challenges, opportunities, and implications for leveraging them in disaster management. This study offers an in-depth overview of the several applications of AI and drones in various stages of disaster management. In this review, the authors have explored the evolution of disaster management paradigms, the applications of AI and drones in disaster management, and the challenges and disruptive technologies shaping this field. The study reveals that the application of AI and drones has great potential in disaster management and can enhance the resilience of the community.
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Evolution of Disaster Management Paradigms. The turbulent landscape of disaster management underwent a profound evolution in the 20th century that was characterized by reorienting paradigms and strategic initiatives meant to protect lives and lessen the devastating effects of natural calamities. During this era, there emerged a discernible shift towards centralized measures for citizen protection, catalyzing the genesis of civil defense mechanisms (Coppola, 2015; Hecker & Domres, 2018). Governments worldwide began to recognize the imperative for coordinated responses to potential crises, prompting the establishment of frameworks dedicated to disaster mitigation and preparedness.
However, it was not until the 1970s that the spotlight intensified on disaster response, signaling a pivotal juncture in the trajectory of disaster management. Governments and international bodies increasingly prioritize strategies geared towards swift and effective interventions in the aftermath of catastrophic events, underscoring the paramount importance of rapid mobilization and resource allocation.
Global Policy Frameworks for Disaster Risk Reduction. A seminal moment in the annals of disaster management occurred on December 11, 1987, when the United Nations General Assembly decreed the 1990s “The International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR)” (United Nations, 1999). This epochal declaration aimed to galvanize global efforts towards heightened awareness and concerted action in mitigating the risks posed by natural disasters. In May 1994, against the backdrop of escalating environmental vulnerabilities and escalating human tolls, the United Nations convened in Yokohama to formulate a strategy and action plan (United Nations, 1994). This landmark initiative, known as the Yokohama Strategy, heralded a paradigm shift towards proactive risk management, acknowledging the imperative of fortifying global resilience in the face of mounting threats.
The Great Hanshin Awaji earthquake, which ravaged the Kobe area of Japan on January 17, 1995, served as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and response mechanisms (Britannica, 2021). In its wake, the international community convened in Kobe in 2005 to promulgate the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA), a comprehensive blueprint aimed at bolstering global resilience over the ensuing decade. Three important goals were spelled out in the HFA plan: disaster risk reduction (DRR) programs should be built into plans for sustainable development; institutions should be strengthened to make them more resilient; and risk reduction methods should be systematically added to plans for emergency preparedness and response (UNISDR, 2005). This concerted endeavor brought to the fore a collective commitment to forging a more secure and resilient world in the face of escalating environmental exigencies.
Integration of Disaster Risk Management into Sustainable Development Goals. The strength of Japan's buildings and infrastructure in the wake of the devastating tsunami that resulted from a 9-magnitude earthquake in Sendai on March 11, 2011, highlighted the country's strict enforcement of earthquake-related technology standards (Zaré, 2011). This resilience, coupled with effective law enforcement measures, played a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the disaster. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) stands as a landmark global policy framework within the United Nations’ post-2015 agenda. It emphasizes mental and physical health, resilience, and well-being in disaster risk reduction (DRR) strategies, elevating priorities like safe schools and hospitals. The third world conference on disaster reduction, convened in 2015 to assess the outcomes of preparedness efforts initiated under the Hyogo Framework for Action 2005–2015, marked a critical milestone in global disaster management (Aitsi-Selmi et al., 2015). Additionally, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which all United Nations Member States ratified in 2015, lists 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These goals, encompassing poverty eradication, improved health and education, reduced inequality, economic growth, climate action, and environmental conservation, reflect a collective commitment to global partnership and sustainable progress (THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development, n.d.).