ALAPPUZHA: According to the level of rainfall, AI (Artificial Intelligence) technology can be used to speed up disaster relief operations by pre-evaluating the damage to buildings. In the event of a flood, possible damages can be predicted at each stage through AI, enabling rescue operations to be planned accordingly.

A study conducted in four districts under the leadership of Calicut NIT was published in the Journal of the American Society of Civil Engineers. It found that damage could be predicted with an accuracy of up to 84%. The study was carried out in Alappuzha, Kottayam, Malappuram and Kozhikode districts, incorporating the construction characteristics of more than 250 houses damaged in the 2018 floods. Factors such as rainfall rate, age of the building and area were taken into account for the damage assessment.

The study was led by Dr Sujith Mangalath, a native of Kottarakkara working in the US, Prof Robin Davis, a teacher at Calicut NIT and Dr A Anisha, a teacher at Palakkad Govt. Engineering College. Dr Sujith and Prof Robin studied at IIT Madras at the same time. Alumni of Calicut NIT also assisted the study team.

Study based on the 2018 flood

1. Building owners were asked about the damage caused by the 2018 floods in four districts. This data was used for the study.

2. Factors considered included flood water level, flood duration, building age, floor area, roof construction materials and wall construction materials.

AI can predict the possible damage to buildings at each stage in the event of a flood.

- Dr Sujith Mangalath