Role of Technology & Innovation

for Disaster Management

Prof. Ravi Sinha
Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Workshop for the Nodal Officers of Disaster Management in all Ministries/Departments of Government of India
New Delhi | March 2, 2022
Managing What Disaster? (Cause-Impact Matrix)
Known Known
Knowns Unknowns
(Cause & (Risk known
Impact both but not
known) quantified)

Unknown Unknown
Knowns Unknowns
(Untapped (Unfathom-
knowledge) able)
Managing What Disaster? (Cause-Impact Matrix)
Known Known
Knowns Unknowns
(Cause & (Risk known
Impact both but not
Disaster management strategy should not be
known) quantified)
the same for different categories of disaster
Unknown risks Unknown
Knowns Unknowns
(Untapped (Unfathom-
knowledge) able)
Science, Technology & Innovation
We have an ideal opportunity to build on the accomplishments in
disaster management during last two decades
oMainstream disaster management – Focus on all phases of disaster
management cycle
oTransition to a S&T-based and knowledge-driven disaster
management paradigm
oAdopt disruptive technologies and innovative solutions
Science, Technology & Innovation
Science, Technology & Innovation
Science, Technology & Innovation has a role in all phases of DM:
To evaluate disaster risks for preparedness, response and mitigation
To communicate disaster risks and their management options to all
stakeholders including the people
To develop plans to mitigate contributors to the risks
To use technologies for risk-reduction, mitigation and response
To develop decision support systems for planning and response
To develop early warning systems
To develop emergency communication systems
Etc.
Science, Technology & Innovation
1. To evaluate disaster risks
oWhat, When, Duration, Impact, …
Science, Technology & Innovation
1. To evaluate disaster risks
oWhat, When, Duration, Impact, …
Science, Technology & Innovation
1. To evaluate disaster risks
oWhat, When, Duration, Impact, …
Science, Technology & Innovation
1. To evaluate disaster risks
oWhat, When, Duration, Impact, …
Science, Technology & Innovation
2. To communicate risk
oMake risk assessment actionable
Science, Technology & Innovation
2. To communicate risk
oMake risk assessment actionable

Occupancy types Injuries Deaths Economic Loss

Slum 537,000 82,000 329,000 Cr
Non-slum 226,000 77,000 710,000 Cr
Total 764,000 159,000 1,039,000 Cr
(USD 138 Billion)
Science, Technology & Innovation
3. To develop plans to manage risk
oTake knowledge-based action
Science, Technology & Innovation
3. To develop plans to manage risk
oTake knowledge-based action Mumbai EOP ESF #
Emergency Support Functions
1 Communications 1
2 Public Safety and Law and Order 2
3 Fire Fighting 3
4 Search and Rescue 4
5 Transport 5
6 Public Health & Sanitation 6
7 Resource Management 7
8 Information Management 8
9 Mass Care, Housing & Human Services 9
10 Relief Supplies 10
11 Energy (Power, Fuel, Gas) 11
12 Utility Services 12
13 Public Works & Infrastructure 13
14 Oil & Hazardous Materials Resp. 14
Science, Technology & Innovation
4. To use risk-reduction and mitigation technologies
oUse “base isolators” to make critical buildings safe against earthquakes
Science, Technology & Innovation
4. To use risk-reduction and mitigation technologies
oUse “base isolators” to make critical buildings safe against earthquakes

Bhuj Hospital (2003)

Science, Technology & Innovation
5. To provide rapid situational assessment & response
oUse drones, social media, mobile data traffic information, etc. for
rapid situational assessment and emergency response
Science, Technology & Innovation
5. To provide rapid situational assessment & response
oUse drones, social media, mobile data traffic information, etc. for
rapid situational assessment and emergency response
Science, Technology & Innovation
5. To provide rapid situational assessment & response
oUse drones, social media, mobile data traffic information, etc. for
rapid situational assessment and emergency response
Science, Technology & Innovation
6. To use AR & VR
oUse augmented reality & virtual reality with GIS and real-time
situational information
Science, Technology & Innovation
6. To use AR & VR
oUse augmented reality & virtual reality with GIS and real-time
situational information
Summary
Disaster management strategy should be based on understanding the
disaster risks
Science & Technology and Innovations have important role in all
phases of managing disasters
Use of S&T and Innovations leverages best available knowledge
Several important technology advancements and innovations are
from India and should be widely used
Mainstreaming disaster management by Central ministries and
departments can be very effective if based on S&T and knowledge-
driven
 Science & Technology and Innovations…

…Reducing disaster risks and strengthening governance!

Thank you!