Executive Summary
During a major statewide flood event in 2025, Washington state transformed disaster response operations using artificial intelligence and geospatial intelligence. Led by Washington Technology Solutions (WaTech), the initiative delivered near real-time situational awareness that improved coordination, accelerated emergency decision-making, and helped impacted residents and businesses receive assistance faster.
The project integrated satellite imagery, flood extent mapping, water depth estimates, infrastructure information, and operational data from federal, state, and local partners into a unified operational environment. AI rapidly analyzed these datasets to identify impacted communities, estimate structural
damage risk, and prioritize emergency response activities.
Tasks that historically required weeks of manual analysis were completed in hours or days. Emergency
operations centers gained faster access to actionable intelligence, enabling agencies to deploy personnel, equipment, and recovery resources more effectively.
The initiative demonstrated how responsible AI adoption can improve public safety, operational efficiency, and government service delivery during emergencies. Rather than creating standalone experimental tools, Washington embedded AI directly into existing emergency management workflows, allowing responders to use AI-generated insights during active operations.
The project established a scalable framework that can support future hazards including wildfires, landslides, severe weather events, and infrastructure emergencies.
