No one could predict when and how natural disasters would occur in which area and to what extent. However, since new experiments have taken place in technology, many transformations can be seen. And it has become possible to find out when and where a natural disaster will occur.
And all this has become possible due to IoT. From providing accurate information with the help of real-time data collection to its high-end analysis capabilities, have increased the demand for IoT platforms for disaster management.
According to a Future Market Insights report, The natural disaster detection IoT market had an estimated market share worth USD 600 million in 2023, and it is predicted to reach a global market valuation of USD 18.5 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 36.3% from 2024 to 2034.
This data shows that IoT technology is working as a disaster rescuer somewhere or the other. And in the coming times we may get to see something even more advanced.
In this blog, we will talk about what IoT is and its applications in disaster management and how they can help in Disaster Prevention and Response Efforts.
What is IoT, and what are its Applications in Disaster Management?
If we talk in simple words, then IoT is a network of connected devices. Many devices stay connected to each other and communicate as per the requirements.
The best thing about IoT devices is communication between the devices, meaning there is no human intervention in it, and no command has to be given repeatedly for step-by-step processes. Sensors installed in these devices manage everything from data collection to data transmission.
IoT Devices and Disaster Management
If we talk in the context of disaster management, first of all we must understand that IoT devices do not have any magical powers that can prevent a disaster. These devices alert authorities about life threatening hazards well in advance, thereby preventing or minimising the loss of life and property.
IoT devices include weather sensors that track temperature, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure to GPS trackers that provide real-time information about people, vehicles, and equipment.
Apart from this, some drones carry out aerial surveillance. Besides, they also have advanced cameras such as thermal cameras and high resolution cameras which are useful in assessing the damage in detail.
For uninterrupted communication during disasters, IoT devices use advanced connectivity technologies such as high speed cellular networks like 4G and 5G, satellite connectivity and mesh networks.
All these IoT devices work together to provide real-time information about particular areas, such as weather conditions, population movements and infrastructure damage in that area.
Advantages of using IoT in Disaster Management
IoT devices offer many advantages when used in disaster management to improve preparedness, response, and recovery efforts.
Here they are:
Accurate and Timely Information
IoT platforms and devices provide real-time and precise data to emergency response teams. With this, these teams can prevent damage in a particular area by taking the right actions at the right time.
As an example, during floods, IoT devices installed on riverbanks prove to be very helpful. These devices monitor water levels and instantly inform higher authorities whenever water levels exceed a certain limit.
This timely information helps the officials in evacuating vulnerable areas, setting up relief camps and keeping resources ready in advance. Ultimately, this can save countless lives in time.
Data Collection in Challenging Conditions
As you might have observed, natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes cause a lot of damage wherever they occur. And the first damage that occurs is the breakdown of communication in the affected areas.
In such a situation, it is not possible to monitor the infrastructure and collect accurate data. IoT devices prove to be very effective in such a situation. They can transmit data remotely even from areas where communication is difficult or almost nonexistent.
For example, after an earthquake, IoT enabled ground sensors continuously monitor ground stability such that aftershocks can be detected early. This information helps authorities in making additional plans and rescue operations without risking additional lives.
Advanced-Data Analysis
All the data processed by IoT devices is analyzed using advanced tools and machine learning algorithms. This analysis brings out critical patterns and trends that help to determine when a cyclone is likely to hit a particular area.
For example, during a cyclone, IoT weather sensors can map wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and temperature to predict the likely movement of the cyclone. Damage can also be estimated based on this. Higher authorities can collect this data and prepare plans based on it to evacuate people from these specific regions ahead of time.
Improved Post-Disaster Recovery
IoT technology also plays a huge role in recovery efforts post disaster. For example, suppose a person is buried under debris in an earthquake affected area. In that case, drones that are equipped with thermal imaging cameras can determine their location by identifying heat signatures.
Additionally, GPS-enabled drones can access road conditions to reach the affected area. Besides, these drones can help identify safer routes for relief teams so that essential medical services can reach people in need.
Automation and Efficiency
The biggest advantage of IoT monitoring platform and devices is that they can automate critical processes to such a level that even the most difficult tasks can be performed in seconds.
For example, if a fire breaks out in a jungle and an IoT sensor is deployed, it can automatically analyse the rising temperature and smoke levels and alert firefighters. This allows the fire to be controlled in time. In the same way, automated flood warning systems powered by IoT eliminate delays caused by manual reporting, ensuring timely evacuation of at-risk populations.
How does real-time data collection help in smarter and faster disaster management?
To understand this deeply, you will have to know about real-time data collection, what it is, and how it works.
Basically, real-time data collection is a process in which the data for every event is recorded and transmitted simultaneously with its occurrence. Traditionally, whenever data on any event had to be collected, it had to go through a very long process. For example, if an incident occurred in a particular area, its data was first collected, which was very time-consuming. After this, it was analyzed and then further processed. It took a lot of time for the event to occur and for its data to be available.
However, in real-time data collection, as soon as any event happens, its data becomes available immediately.
This process often relies on advanced devices such as:
Drones: These devices collect data about any affected area from the sky.
Satellites: They provide a lot more information or bigger data, from the geography of an area to the weather conditions expected in that area.
Weather Stations: These monitor the atmosphere and provide data such as atmospheric pressure, the humidity of the particular area and wind speeds in that area.
Smartphones: They act as mobile sensors. These collect on-ground data such as geo locations and provide information about the crowd in a disaster zone.
Advantages of Real-Time Data in Disaster Situations
Accurate Understanding of the Situation
In the traditional methods of data collection, many times it happened that one had to depend on outdated and static data. The data (from traditional methods) you are getting today, in fact, could be from today or even two days ago. Whereas real-time data is absolutely accurate and is available as soon as the event occurs.
For example, traditionally, the flood maps that were made used to be available 5-7 hours after the incident occurred. In such a situation, if someone needed to know the current ground reality, it was not possible.
In real-time data, current information is absolutely accurate so that by properly assessing the damage, people trapped in that area can be saved.
Quick Decision-Making
Timing is everything during disasters. If authorities have real-time data on the affected area, they can quickly reach there and help people.
If IoT sensors are installed in sensitive areas at that time, they immediately tell on the basis of wind speed and direction in which area the fire can spread, due to which people there can be immediately saved from the impact.
Early Warning Alerts for Safety
Real-time data can prevent damage by providing early warning signals. Whenever IoT sensors detect any unusual activities, such as rising water levels, increased seismic vibrations, or sudden atmospheric changes, they send a signal to the authorities.
This allows the authorities to evacuate particular areas. This can prevent a lot of loss of life and property. In this case, the authorities can send an SMS to the public or play messages on a loudspeaker so that people leave the area as quickly as possible.
The Role of IoT Devices in Disaster Management Phases
Phase | Purpose | IoT Devices Used | How IoT Devices Help | Example Applications |
Preparation | Proactively minimizing disaster impacts | – Sensors (temperature, humidity, structural integrity) | – Collect data to identify high-risk areas – Provide insights for mitigation strategies | – Monitoring building safety with sensors – Identifying flood-prone areas with water level sensors |
– Weather monitoring stations | – Track atmospheric changes to predict disasters | – Predicting storms or cyclones through real-time weather data | ||
– Seismic activity monitors | – Detect tectonic shifts that may indicate earthquakes | – Identifying potential earthquake zones | ||
Response | Minimizing loss of life and property during disasters | – Drones with cameras and thermal sensors | – Assess damage and locate survivors in inaccessible areas | – Drones providing real-time visuals of flood-hit areas |
– Wearable health monitors | – Track vital signs of survivors to prioritize medical assistance | – Wearables identifying health issues in injured individuals | ||
– Smart alarms and alert systems | – Send immediate notifications to residents for evacuation or safety measures | – Issuing tsunami evacuation alerts based on ocean sensors | ||
Recovery | Restoring infrastructure and services while supporting affected communities | – GPS-enabled trackers | – Track distribution of relief supplies to ensure efficient delivery | – GPS trackers confirming supplies reach remote flood-affected villages |
– Air and water quality monitors | – Monitor environmental conditions to ensure safety | – Testing water contamination levels in post-flood scenarios | ||
– Structural integrity sensors | – Assess building safety for reconstruction efforts | – Verifying bridges or roads for damage before repairs | ||
Cross-Phase | Continuous monitoring and adaptation | – IoT networks (centralized dashboards, connected devices) | – Enable real-time communication between stakeholders across all disaster phases | – Authorities accessing centralized disaster management dashboards to plan, execute, and monitor efforts in real time |
Future Outlook of IoT in Disaster Management
We can see a lot of transformations in disaster management with the help of IoT platforms. Some of them are:
Better Prediction and Warnings
IoT devices such as sensors and weather stations can predict floods and earthquakes in advance, allowing timely rescue. These tools will analyse data in real-time and deliver accurate early warnings to authorities, making evacuation planning easier.
Reliable Communication During Emergencies
It is often seen that normal communication networks fail during a disaster. In such a situation, advanced IoT technology will keep the rescue team connected during a disaster. This will enable these teams to coordinate easily during rescue operations.
Support Through AI and Chatbots
AI powered chatbots that will be connected to IoT devices will help people at crucial times. They help them by taking them to safe shelters, telling them safe routes and getting them to medical help. Apart from this, they will also provide emotional support to people during stressful times. So that people do not feel lonely.
Faster Recovery and Rebuilding of affected areas
It takes a lot of time for any area to recover after a disaster. In such a situation, IoT devices will identify the affected areas and send relief supplies there. Apart from this, they will ensure that the necessary resources reach the needy people on time. Smart sensors will help in rebuilding stronger and safer infrastructure.
Final Thoughts
As natural disasters increase year after year, IoT platforms are becoming more important in disaster management. These technologies can improve emergency responses by providing early warnings and helping affected areas recover faster. IoT technologies can also enable authorities to make faster and smarter decisions. They are based on live updates and predictions and can minimize damage.
To effectively implement and use IoT platform in disaster management, governments, tech companies, and rescue teams will need to work together. By adopting these tools, the world can be prepared in advance for the countless disasters that are to come, and a safer future can be prepared for everyone.
