Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR)

Climate risks linked to a 1.5 °C rise in global temperatures pose serious threats to both human populations and ecosystems. Between 1995 and 2015, the Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) and the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) reported a significant increase in weather-related disasters, largely driven by more frequent storm and flood events. Among these, floods alone accounted for nearly 47% of all weather-related extreme events worldwide, affecting around 2.3 billion people (95% of whom reside in Asia).

Given the context, efficient disaster preparedness is crucial, but long-term resilience must be the ultimate goal. The fragmented and siloed nature of data, dispersed across various departments, systems, locations, and formats, impedes decision-makers' ability to cultivate necessary capacity and to access, analyse, and utilise data in a timely and coherent manner. This is particularly evident in the context of resource mobilisation for fostering long-term resilience against natural disasters.

Furthermore, decision-makers frequently encounter difficulties in making data-informed decisions that accurately reflect or prioritise the most pressing needs. Too often, disaster risk reduction decisions are reactive, made on a first-come-first-served basis, ‘best guess’ or based on public outcry and media coverage without taking socio-economic, demographic and other vulnerability data into account which further exacerbates inequities and reduces resilience.

Intelligent Data Solution for Disaster Risk Reduction (IDS-DRR), developed by CivicDataLab, is an open-access, AI-based platform that integrates high-value datasets including satellite imagery, demographics, losses and damages, government spending and socio-economic vulnerability. It uses AI and statistical modelling to provide actionable insights on disaster risk which can be used by authorities and vulnerable communities to better prepare for floods. It helps authorities to take timely, data-driven decisions, prioritise public funds and conduct public procurement in a manner that strengthens long-term disaster risk reduction and protects the most vulnerable people from the adverse effects of extreme weather events. We have tested IDS-DRR in the Indian states, viz. Assam and Himachal Pradesh and are scaling to three additional Indian states of Odisha, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. We are now working towards scaling it in Thailand, Philippines and Indonesia.