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Last updated 1 Jun 2026

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for disaster risk reduction

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Introduction

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) both offer interactive experiences that bring a multitude of scenarios to life - offering rich possibilities for disaster risk reduction. By simulating hazards like floods, landslides, lightning, and more, VR and AR help learners, decision-makers and the public to visualise potential impacts, understand appropriate preparedness actions, and build resilience.

This experience creates a visceral understanding that can improve awareness and promote behaviour change - thus supporting risk-informed decision-making.

Explore the resources below covering the application of VR and AR to reduce disaster risk.

In Nepal, an innovative project is using virtual reality (VR) to help students prepare for disasters in a safe, immersive way.

Related links
Artificial intelligence (AI) for disaster risk reduction

Knowledge base

Citizen in France testing a flood VR tool
Interview
Pierre Scholl Yacine Haddou Matthieu Hervé
Virtual reality for flood risk communication: Making rare events tangible
By making rare and complex events easier to visualise, this case study from France shows how tools that combine virtual reality and special effects improve public understanding and dialogue on flood risk.
Contemporary schoolgirl and her two classmates in vr headsets touching virtual objects.
Blog
Sanjay Saifi
Augmented, virtual or mixed reality: choosing the right tool for disaster risk management
Which Extended Reality (XR) technology is most appropriate for different hazards and phases of disaster risk management?
How virtual reality helps prepare for real-life disaster risks - image with two people in VR goggles infant of wildfire
Update
Six real-world disaster risks being tackled with virtual reality

Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive experiences that bring a multitude of scenarios to life – offering rich possibilities for disaster risk reduction.

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR)
Case study
Nepal
How virtual reality is helping Nepal’s students prepare for landslides
A new initiative by the Climate Risk and Resilience Lab in 2024 showcased a powerful way to letting students experience a landslide before it even happens.
  • Climate, Risk & Resilience Lab (CRR)
Cover
Documents and publications
Speculative design for climate adaptation: imagining coastal management strategies in Singapore’s future waterfronts through postcards from the future

This study uses speculative design and AR to explore community-led sea-level rise adaptation in Singapore. It promotes public engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare for coastal flooding and climate change.

Earth Observatory of Singapore - Nanyang Technological University
Ocean & Coastal Management (Science Direct)
Update
Game keeps players ‘virtually’ safe from lightning

VR headset provides immersive learning experience about the dangers, wonders of thunderstorms.

University of Maryland
Storm surge affecting a structure
Update
Storm surge virtual reality simulation designed to save lives

Weather the Storm, a virtual reality simulation that takes users through the effects of storm surge to communicate its devastating and sometimes fatal consequences, is now available for download.

University of Georgia
Update
‘Most at risk on the planet’: Polar heritage sites are slipping into the sea – but can one island live forever online?

On Qikiqtaruk, off Canada’s Yukon coast, scientists are wielding virtual-reality cameras, 3D models and digital archives to protect the island’s history and culture before it disappears.

Guardian, the (UK)
Update
Digital technologies provide realistic disaster experiences

Digital technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) can help visualize the risks of disasters such as floods and earthquakes.

Japan News, the - Yomiuri Shimbun
Wildfire in Stanislaus National Forest, California, 2013
Update
A new immersive cinema is helping firefighters to better prepare for megafires

The University of New South Wales' iCinema Research Centre has created iFire, a cutting-edge training system allowing firefighters and emergency responders to virtually teleport into a burning landscape and train for the real thing.

Conversation Media Group, the