Disaster-based Financial Decision Framework Using Machine Learning in India

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name:Disaster-based financial decision framework using Machine Learning in India
This project enhances disaster damage assessments by replacing manual methods with advanced automation, streamlining efforts and conserving resources.

By delivering real-time damage updates, it accelerates recovery planning and supports informed financial decisions for disaster response. Improved efficiency ensures swift, data-driven actions, optimizing resource allocation.

Ultimately, it transforms disaster management by enabling proactive strategies, reducing delays, and enhancing overall effectiveness in responding to crises.

Annual losses from
floods in India
$ 0 bn
Highest annual losses
caused to buildings
$ 0 bn

Impact and Key Findings

1

A vast dataset of labeled disaster images trained multiple models, enhancing their ability to detect diverse damage patterns. This rigorous training significantly improves assessment accuracy, enabling precise evaluations across various real-world disaster scenarios for effective response and recovery. 

2

Advanced deep learning techniques enabled the model to analyze complex disaster scenarios with precision. During testing, it consistently identified and categorized damage with high reliability, enhancing assessment accuracy and supporting swift, data-driven disaster response and recovery efforts. 

3

The study developed a rapid, automated disaster damage assessment method, drastically reducing manual effort and accelerating evaluations. This approach ensures timely, precise information, enabling more effective disaster response and recovery planning while optimizing resource allocation for impacted areas. 

Resources

Aishwarya Pillai

Lead Specialist

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes. 

Alpana Saha

Director, Partnerships, Governance, and Resource Mobilisation 

Alpana heads institutional partnerships, governance, and resource mobilization at CDRI, advancing cross-sector collaborations that drive resilient infrastructure programming across Member Countries and organizations. With over 25 years of experience spanning international development, global health, and the non-profit sector, she brings deep expertise in fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and delivering strategic change. 

At CDRI, Alpana has been pivotal in forging strategic alliances with governments, international organizations, and philanthropies. She also plays a key role in fortifying institutional systems and board governance mechanisms as the Coalition transitions into an international organization. 

Before joining CDRI, Alpana held senior leadership roles at The George Institute for Global Health, Plan India, WaterAid India, and SOS Children’s Villages, leading institutional fundraising and cultivating strategic partnerships for social impact. 

She holds a Master’s in Finance & Control from Aligarh Muslim University and completed Executive Education at Harvard Business School (CSR India). Her work is driven by a commitment to building enduring, values-based partnerships that accelerate sustainable development outcomes.