ML-enhanced disaster Resilience through Aerial Imagery in Australia

Implementing Partner: Build Change

Project name: ML-enhanced disaster Resilience through Aerial Imagery in Australia

This project utilizes cutting-edge technology, including machine learning and image processing, to improve disaster response and resilience.

It focuses on detecting flood-affected areas from aerial imagery, specifically benefiting the telecommunications sector. With no existing automated system for identifying critical zones during telecom failures, this tool bridges a crucial gap by rapidly mapping accessible routes in real-time.

By enabling quicker relief efforts, it minimizes downtime, strengthens emergency coordination, and supports more effective crisis management during disasters.

Loss in telecom
sector
$ 0 mn
Premises lost
communication services
during the 2022 floods.
0 +

Impact and Key Findings

1

The project improves GPS accuracy through UAV-based imaging, delivering precise location data essential for efficient disaster response. This advancement minimizes delays in identifying affected areas, ensuring faster coordination and more effective emergency relief efforts.

2

By providing rapid, high-precision data, the system enables real-time disaster zone monitoring. This capability empowers emergency teams to make swift, informed decisions, enhancing coordination and optimizing response efforts for greater efficiency.

3

The model evaluates entire road networks using aerial imagery, pinpointing accessible routes and obstacles. This crucial data supports safe evacuation planning and ensures efficient movement during disasters, enhancing response effectiveness and minimizing disruptions.

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.