AI used to map areas vulnerable to flooding
Findings by MBZUAI researchers could help in rescue, recovery, planning
The Mohammad Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) can provide solutions for urban planning globally to help tackle extreme weather events.
Following the record-breaking rainfall in the UAE on April 16, a team of MBZUAI researchers and students, led by associate professor Dr Salman Khan, combined AI and computer vision techniques to create an automated satellite data analysis prototype for flood assessment.
Data from 3 case studies
Using three localised case studies for the Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, Musaffah area in Abu Dhabi, and Al Buraimi region in Oman, the researchers used available satellite data to compare remotely sensed imagery before and after the storm. The analysis aims to provide a useful change detection tool for local authorities to rapidly assess the impact of heavy rains.
“From our analysis of the Dubai case study area, we found that 140km out of the 2,963km was impacted by rain, including primary, residential, service, and highways,” Dr Khan said.
The analysis tool can precisely locate which roads are heavily impacted by water accumulation following heavy rain, and pinpoint infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and population clusters that may be most at danger.
“Our analysis pinpoints 460 affected cafés, 75 pharmacies/ clinics, four malls, and 11 educational institutions: vital information for rescue, recovery, and future planning,” Dr Khan said.
The university plans to connect with the UAE government to demonstrate their findings.