Using UAVs can help deal with Disaster Management more effectively

New Delhi, November 8: Day-long workshop kicked off over application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Disaster Management which was organised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). The workshop aims to build and develop the capacity of stakeholders to use UAVs and related technologies for better disaster preparedness and response. 

Underlining the importance of UAV technology for disaster management, NDMA member Secretary RK Jain said that all stakeholders should strive to influence existing technologies for quick and efficient disaster response. “Various stakeholders will collaboratively work towards research and development of UAV technology for Disaster Risk Reduction”, he added.

"UAVs can be effectively used in different phases of disaster management - they can help us identify areas affected by disasters. They can also aid disaster response," said Dr. DN Sharma, Member, NDMA.

NDMA officials and experts from Delhi Technological University (DTU), Anna University, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Department of Science and Technology, National Aeronautics Limited (NAL), Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre, North Eastern Space Application Centre (NESAC) were among the prominent organisations to attend the event.

Representatives of many State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) also participated in this session. UAVs can provide high-resolution, real-time images of even the inaccessible locations. These images can then be used to produce accurate hazard maps so that prevention and mitigation measures for reducing disaster risks are planned accordingly. The UAVs can be used to map the affected areas in high resolution within a short time, which, in turn, can aid swift and efficient response.