In the aftermath of severe floods in Nepal last month that led to the destruction of roads and bridges, the country’s army is deploying drones to provide aid to displaced individuals. The disaster, triggered by a Himalayan glacier detachment near the Nepal-China border in late August, has resulted in a confirmed death toll of 1,367 people and over 5,000 individuals reported missing.
Due to the ongoing search and rescue efforts by helicopters, the army has turned to drones for delivering essential supplies such as food, medicine, and fuel to those in need. Santosh Budhathoki, a contracted drone pilot for the Nepal army, emphasized the critical role of drones in the relief efforts, citing their ability to transport up to 60 kilograms over distances of three to four kilometers.
The army is currently conducting 10 to 16 aid missions daily using a fleet of four DJI FlyCart 100 drones, generously donated by China as part of a recent aid initiative. Apart from aid deliveries, drones have been instrumental in transporting flood victims’ bodies in affected regions and conducting reconnaissance operations for search and rescue missions.
Milan Pandey from Airlift Technology highlighted the efficiency of drones in Nepal’s challenging terrain, emphasizing their speed and cost-effectiveness. The use of drones has proven crucial in navigating the difficult geography of Nepal and expediting relief efforts during this time of crisis.