**2. AI/Emerging tech disaster relief**

In recent years, technology has played an increasingly important role in disaster management, including the response to disasters, the assessment of disasters, and the management of disasters. The application of technology in the field of disaster management has proven to be of critical importance in terms of accelerating and amplifying rescue and humanitarian relief efforts, saving lives, and making affected communities more resilient to the occurrence of future disasters.

For instance, artificial intelligence (AI) has been put to use to keep an eye on areas that are prone to earthquakes, forecast the occurrence of future disasters, and provide people with prompt and accurate answers to their questions regarding relief efforts and assistance programs. Chatbots that are powered by AI are especially helpful in circumstances where there is a high volume of people asking for information. This enables human resources to be reallocated to other activities that are equally important.

Platforms for social media have also proven to be useful tools in disaster management, particularly in regions where traditional communication channels have been disrupted. This is especially true in the case of areas that have been hit particularly hard. The use of social media has allowed for the dissemination of vital information as well as the organization of support, with people who are buried under the rubble tweeting messages that include their location.

#### *Technology and Disaster Relief: The Türkiye-Syria Earthquake Case Study DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.111612*

In addition, the use of websites that are powered by open-source software has made it simpler for organizations that provide humanitarian aid to collaborate on their efforts and disseminate information to the general public. Open-source websites offer a platform for the development of new applications that are tailored to meet the requirements of a particular disaster. This can be especially helpful in circumstances in which time is of the essence.

In addition, developing technologies such as the metaverse can be used to simulate the effects of earthquakes and teach people how to respond appropriately in the event of one. The metaverse can also be used to create virtual relief centers, which are places where communities that have been affected by a disaster can go to receive essential services like food, shelter, and medical care.

In general, technology has evolved into a tool that is essential for disaster management, and it is without a doubt that continued investment and the development of innovative technologies will continue to play an essential part in the process of preventing loss of life and mitigating the effects of natural disasters.

It's difficult to imagine anything going wrong that would be worse for the millions of people affected by the recent earthquakes [4]. On the other hand, digital technologies and other emerging technologies have greatly aided relief efforts. Since the early 2000s, emerging technologies have been used in disaster relief operations and have since become an essential component of these operations. One of the things that distinguishes the Turkish-Syrian relief efforts is the scale of their use of open-source websites, artificial intelligence, and social media. The following sections will present a case study of the technologies that were adapted for use in relief efforts following the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.

## **2.1 Social media**

The coordination of support efforts and the dissemination of vital information through social media platforms were central to the rescue operations. In some instances, people who were buried under debris tweeted their location and shared these tweets with users with large followings who demanded and hoped to be heard by rescuers. Using streamed social media data, volunteer teams have verified the accuracy of information that rescue operations can use to save lives. Unfortunately, not all of those who were able to send information from beneath the rubble were fortunate enough to receive aid, and some chose to express their profoundly tragic farewells via social media platforms. Even those who were not directly injured by the collapsing buildings during the earthquakes perished from hypothermia brought on by the subzero temperatures that followed. Those who remained trapped under the rubble for days while rescuers struggled to determine where to extend a helping hand in the vast affected area chose to either scream for help or say their final goodbyes.

In recent years, social media has proven to be an invaluable resource for disaster management [5–8]. During a crisis, social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram are increasingly being used to disseminate critical information and coordinate relief efforts. Social media, in addition to facilitating communication between victims and rescuers, aids in the verification of information. Volunteer teams can use live social media data to confirm victim location and status, which can then be used to direct rescue efforts.

However, it was not always with the best intentions that social media was resorted to in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes. Scammers took advantage of social media platforms for their benefit, as a BBC investigation revealed [9].

Accordingly, scammers circulated appeals for donations to fake charities on Twitter and TikTok, using unrelated imagery and links to fraudulent PayPal accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. Other experts reported similar scams on Telegram and Facebook, too [10]. Consequently, TikTok and PayPal released statements expressing their condolences and commitment to preventing fraudulent activities on their platforms. TikTok actively reminded its viewers to report suspicious behavior while PayPal diligently scrutinized and banned accounts. The aim was to ensure donations went to their intended causes and kept people safe during the challenging period.

With its ability to facilitate communication, coordinate relief efforts, and verify information, social media has become an indispensable tool for disaster management. During these times, however, it is critical to remain vigilant against fraudulent activity and social media misuse.

### **2.2 High-pitched whistle application**

Other technologies, in addition to social media platforms, were used in disaster relief efforts. One notable technological advancement was the use of high-pitched whistle applications designed for stranded individuals. Many people were trapped under rubble in the aftermath of the earthquakes, unable to communicate with rescuers. The whistle apps enabled these people to use their mobile devices to signal for help even when there was no reception.

Unfortunately, the earthquake-affected region also experienced connectivity issues due to extensive infrastructure damage. As a result, those with cell phones could not always send text messages, but they could use the sound-making feature to communicate with anyone who was near the rubble. This also conserved the survivors' limited energy, as yelling for assistance for an extended period of time could be quite draining.

Several whistle applications were released free of charge in response to the disaster. To provide context, one such app developed by Dmitsoft had more than 5 million downloads [11]. These apps were essential in assisting people in requesting assistance when they were unable to communicate verbally or via text message due to the circumstances in which they found themselves. Rescue workers were also able to locate survivors more quickly thanks to the use of these apps, which ultimately had the potential to save lives.
