Nepal’s army is resorting to drones for delivering aid to displaced individuals as roads and bridges have been destroyed, and helicopters are occupied with search and rescue efforts following recent devastating floods. The calamity occurred after a Himalayan glacier broke off near the Nepal-China border in late August, resulting in significant casualties, with 1,367 confirmed dead and over 5,000 missing.
Santosh Budhathoki, a contract drone pilot for the Nepal army, emphasized the importance of utilizing drones for transporting food, essentials, medicine, and fuel, given the current constraints on helicopter availability. Drones are capable of covering distances of three to four kilometers and carrying up to 60 kilograms, proving to be a valuable resource for delivering aid to affected communities in urgent need.
The army is executing approximately 10 to 16 aid deliveries daily using a fleet of four DJI FlyCart 100 drones, generously donated by China as part of recent aid assistance. Besides aid distribution, drones are also being employed to relocate flood victims’ bodies in certain areas, while reconnaissance drones play a crucial role in search and rescue operations.
Milan Pandey, representing drone-operating company Airlift Technology, highlighted the efficiency of drones in Nepal’s geographical and terrain conditions, describing them as faster, more agile, and cost-effective. The demanding operational schedule underscores the significance of drone technology in expediting relief efforts during this crisis.
