Nepal deploys drones for flood rescue and damage assessment

The Nepal Drone Association has deployed its members to aid in the search, rescue, and damage assessment efforts following flash floods in Rasuwa and other affected regions. Drone operators have been instructed to prepare their equipment for immediate deployment.

Bal Kumar Lamsal, vice-president of the association, confirmed that drone pilots are already active in areas like Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading. These drones utilize LiDAR technology for preliminary damage assessments, determining the extent of destruction caused by floods and landslides, and measuring the depth of mud and debris. Thermal cameras are also being used to help locate stranded individuals.

“

Drone flights can be particularly effective in geographically difficult mountainous and Himalayan areas.

Future plans include using drones equipped with loudspeakers to broadcast information in areas with disrupted communication networks. The association is also considering using drones to transport emergency medicines and relief supplies to remote locations, pending an assessment of the on-ground situation. This initiative follows an agreement with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority in July to provide drone-based disaster assistance.

More than 50 drone pilots and specialists are involved in the operation through the association, which was established a year ago and comprises over 20 member companies. The deployment highlights the growing demand for advanced technological support in disaster response, particularly in challenging mountainous terrains where access and communication are compromised.

“

We are using LiDAR technology to make preliminary assessments of where and how much damage has been caused by floods and landslides, and to determine the depth of mud and debris flows.