Abstract
Disasters and emergencies—including climate change, geopolitical instabilities, and the rising occurrence of both natural and man-made disasters—have long been integral to human history. However, in recent decades, there has been a notable increase in their frequency and intensity worldwide (1). Among those most affected are vulnerable populations, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, individuals with disabilities, low-income communities, and marginalized groups, who face disproportionate risks during emergencies (2, 3). Emerging technologies offer remarkable opportunities to address these vulnerabilities; however, their implementation is often accompanied by significant ethical, logistical, and structural challenges (4). This editorial aims to explore the impact of technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, the Internet of Things, drones, and blockchain in supporting vulnerable populations, highlighting both the potential benefits and the key challenges associated with their adoption.