In the aftermath of recent devastating floods in Nepal that led to the destruction of roads and bridges, the country’s military is leveraging drone technology to provide relief to displaced individuals. Following a Himalayan glacier breaking off near the Nepal-China border in late August, over 1,300 fatalities have been confirmed, with more than 5,000 people reported missing.
With most helicopters engaged in ongoing search and rescue efforts, drones have emerged as a crucial tool for delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel. Santosh Budhathoki, a contracted drone pilot for the Nepal army, emphasized the significance of drones in these relief operations due to their capability to transport up to 60 kilograms of goods over distances ranging from three to four kilometers.
Nepal’s army is currently conducting 10 to 16 aid deliveries daily using a fleet of four DJI FlyCart 100 drones, which were generously donated by China as part of recent aid initiatives. Apart from aid distribution, drones have been instrumental in transporting flood victims’ remains and conducting reconnaissance missions to support search and rescue operations.
Milan Pandey from Airlift Technology highlighted the advantage of using drones in Nepal’s diverse terrain, citing their speed, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. The utilization of drones has proven vital in navigating challenging landscapes and expediting relief efforts in the flood-affected regions.