Drones in Disaster Management
How do Drones boost Disaster Management?
The evolution of drones over the years has been increasing with their application in different sectors. A disaster is an unexpected catastrophic event that causes widespread damage, death and difficulty to the community. In this situation, drones become inevitable as it aids in evacuation.
Various environmental changes are happening due to industrialization and the exploitation of natural resources. Disasters can be both natural and man-made. It includes earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides and avalanches. Natural disasters are the result of sudden changes in our surroundings due to natural forces that causes great loss. Man-made disasters are the outcome of exploitation by human resources that can be avoided by necessary prevention and planning methods.
DISASTER MANAGEMENT — AN INTRODUCTION
Disaster management is the mitigation process involving prevention, protection, preparedness and relief measures. These steps are taken to minimize the effects of the consequences. The preparation process involves,
· Plan writing
· Communication system development
· Public Education
· Drills
In India, we have National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), headed by our Prime Minister and formed under the Disaster Management Act 2005. We also have State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMA) almost in most states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, etc. in our country.
DRONES IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Drones are unmanned aerial vehicles that provide a 360-degree view of the landscape where the calamity has taken place. With the help of drone technology, the disaster management process has been made simpler and more accessible. Data can be gathered from drones equipped with GPS sensors, Artificial Intelligence, 3D Mapping, Aerial surveys and monitoring. They can process the data in real time, which helps in critical services and enhanced decision-making. Drones have been recently used in rescue process during disaster management.
APPLICATIONS
SEARCH AND RESCUE
Drones are used to find the missing people as soon as possible as they identify all inaccessible areas like terrain and Snowy Mountains. These can be deployed to carry out relief measures faster than the traditional evacuation method. Navigation of surviving people during floods, earthquake or explosions under the rubble in inaccessible areas are performed by drones. Aerial photographs show the best evacuation and rescue routes during power plant malfunctions, chemical spills and gas leakage.
EXTINGUISHING FIRES
Wildfires have become common in most countries nowadays. Using drones during wildfires can eliminate the risks to people and increase the efficiency in combating the fire. Drones that are fitted with the communication system are an added advantage as they operate according to the command from the ground operators. Quadcopters can be used to spray water so that the spread of fire can be controlled. Multitudes of small drones can be used to provide situational awareness.
DELIVERING EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Urgent supplies like first aid, medicines, food, water bottles and flashlights can be delivered through drones effectively. People may be left without food and water during these conditions for several days due to inaccessibility. Rescue teams consider drones the best solution to manage these issues due to their ability to withstand harsh conditions.
MAPPING
Visual imagery and 3D Imaging are significant during large-scale disasters like floods and earthquakes. Satellite imagery is expensive to acquire, time-consuming, and doesn’t provide high-resolution images. Hotspots can be identified quickly, and the data can be used to carry out further relief measures in the location. Image processing software plays a prominent role as it helps in analysing the damage, search and rescue and reconstruction. The preexisting image of the place and the post-image of the damaged area can speed up further actions.
ASSESSING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
Helicopters were used to get information regarding the victims during the disaster. The disaster sites remain unsafe for workers even after a long time their structural damage. They have a high risk of losing their lives during the inspection. Thus, drones can be utilised to survey disaster-prone areas due to their adaptability and flexibility. These foster and cultivate the capability to access remote areas more quickly.
Rescue and rehabilitation are the ultimate processes of disaster management. The inclusive approach of using drones during this situation elevates competence. Drones give a complete view of the affected area to estimate the devastation and help in the rescue, relief and recovery.
