ERMINE

The ERMINE project is working on creating a special system for public authorities who deal with disasters, like firefighters and other emergency responders. This system combines different types of information, such as historical records of past disasters, pictures taken from satellites, and images from drones. By putting all this information together and analyzing it, the system can predict different kinds of disasters. Right now, the focus is on wildfires and floods, but it could also be used for other types of disasters, like accidents at factories or problems with food supplies. Two companies, Phasegrowth and Ecording, are working together to develop this system and make sure it meets the needs of the people who will use it. They are also getting support from the Stara Zagora Regional Development Agency in Bulgaria. This agency is part of a group that works on making communities better prepared for disasters. The goal of the ERMINE project is to create a special computer program that can help predict disasters and give early warnings. Once finished, the solution created by ERMINE has the potential to be really useful in different places, not just in Bulgaria but also in countries like Turkey and Estonia. The program aims to be fast, accurate, and not use too many resources. It wants to have a big impact on the way we deal with disasters and make sure we’re ready for them.

Examples of areas affected by or at risk of natural disasters where the ERMINE project will work to implement its smart system of disaster prediction

The ERMINE project has successfully navigated initial delays with disaster management authorities in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Estonia, achieving key deliverables across various work packages. A diverse set of representatives of the domestic disaster management authorities from the three countries were engaged, from surveying their needs to consulting them in the development of the prototype, asking them to validate the models for the disaster propagation and human reactions to calamities. Extensive research has informed the development of the ERMINE architecture, focusing on human behavior modeling in disaster scenarios. Work on natural hazard detection using AI and geospatial data is progressing well, with the aim of developing a multi–hazard digital twin. The project also includes an effective outreach plan, promoting awareness and engagement through various platforms. Despite early challenges, the project remains on track and is delivering promising results.