Drones deliver relief to flood-affected areas in Nepal

Drones have been deployed to distribute essential relief materials in areas of Nepal hit by the Budhigandaki flood, where destroyed roads and footpaths had cut off access to many communities. An Armed Police Force (APF) team utilized four drones to transport food grains, tents, tarpaulins, and medicines to locations including Pangsing, Jagat, Yarubagar, and Kerauja in northern Gorkha.

The operation involved 151 total flights conducted between October 18 and 20. Drones were also used to transport approximately 3,500 litres of fuel to support dozers and excavators working to reopen the Benighat-Arughat-Larke road. Each drone used in the operation can carry up to 85 kg and travel distances of up to 6 km. To ensure successful delivery, technicians provided guidance to local residents via video calls and phone calls to assist with unloading the supplies.