Guangxi Flood Rescue Accelerated by Drones

Typhoon Maysak brought prolonged heavy rain to Guangxi, China, triggering severe flooding in areas such as Guilin, Nanning, Hengzhou and Guiping. About 55,000 people were affected, 48,000 were evacuated and two deaths were reported.

JD Logistics mobilised a fleet of emergency drones to the hardest‑hit districts. The drones flew up to 60 m, captured aerial imagery and terrain data, and were used to chart safe routes, guide evacuations and assess road and building damage. Each unit can transport several dozen kilograms of relief items, including protective gear, disinfectants, medical supplies and rescue rope, supporting both immediate rescue and post‑disaster reconstruction.

DJI also deployed heavy‑lift drones, breaking the usual “no‑person” rule to air‑lift trapped villagers from flood‑isolated villages. More than 100 drones operated simultaneously, delivering over 1,000 tonnes of food, water, medicine and other emergency supplies. The operation combined drone lifts with boat teams, providing a crucial lifeline where conventional vessels could not reach.