Key facts
- Nepal's army is employing drones for flood relief delivery due to extensive infrastructure damage.
- The drones can transport up to 60 kilograms of aid over distances of 3 to 4 kilometers.
- The army operates a fleet of four donated DJI FlyCart 100 drones, making 10-16 deliveries daily.
- Drones are also being used for transporting bodies of flood victims and for reconnaissance.
- The challenging terrain of Nepal makes drones a faster, quicker, and cheaper option for aid delivery.
Nepal's army is leveraging drone technology to deliver essential relief supplies to communities devastated by recent floods, as damaged infrastructure has rendered traditional transport methods impossible. With roads and bridges destroyed and helicopters occupied with search and rescue, drones have become the primary means of delivering food, medicine, and fuel to displaced populations.
Contract drone pilot Santosh Budhathoki stated that drones are the best option for aid delivery in the current situation, especially since most helicopters are busy with rescue efforts. These drones are capable of covering distances of up to 3 to 4 kilometers and can carry payloads of up to 60 kilograms, providing crucial support to affected communities.
The army is currently making between 10 to 16 aid deliveries per day using a fleet of four DJI FlyCart 100 drones, which were donated by China as part of an aid package. Beyond aid delivery, drones have also been utilized to transport the bodies of flood victims and for reconnaissance in search and rescue operations.
Milan Pandey of Airlift Technology emphasized the suitability of drones for Nepal's challenging terrain, noting they are faster, quicker, and more cost-effective. The operation is described as hectic due to the urgent need for these services.