Algorithms for Smart World Technologies

Chapter 20Disaster Management

Disasters manifest in various forms and are broadly categorized into natural, man-made, or complex events. Anthropogenic (man-made) disasters typically result from human-induced failures, including industrial accidents, hazardous material releases, and critical infrastructure breakdowns. Conversely, natural disasters are driven by geophysical, meteorological, or hydrological phenomena—such as earthquakes, floods, droughts, or volcanic eruptions—that significantly impact ecological systems and natural resources. Complex disasters, such as pandemics and epidemics, often arise from a combination of biological, environmental, and socioeconomic factors, making them particularly difficult to manage and contain.

Such events can inflict severe damage on human life, physical infrastructure, the economy, and the environment, often surpassing the response and coping capacities of affected communities. To address these challenges, the field of disaster risk management (DRM) has evolved as a system-based and interdisciplinary approach focused on risk mitigation, preparedness, and adaptive response mechanisms [173]. DRM involves the strategic coordination of human, technical, and financial resources to minimize disaster impacts. It encompasses a comprehensive cycle of activities, including hazard identification, risk assessment, early warning, emergency response, and long-term recovery planning—aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of at-risk ...