Join Our WhatsApp Channel for Exam Updates | Click here to Register for Olympiad Exams | Check Exam Dates here| See Marking Scheme here | Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Is Tech Like Drones Used in Disaster Response?

How Is Tech Like Drones Used in Disaster Response?

In modern disaster response, technology plays a key role. One of the most useful tools is the drone—a flying device controlled remotely. Drones, along with other tech like satellites, GPS, and AI, help emergency teams work faster, safer, and smarter. They reach places that are too dangerous or hard for humans to go, especially during earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or conflicts.

1. Search and Rescue

Drones are equipped with cameras and heat sensors to find people trapped in:

  • Collapsed buildings
  • Flooded areas
  • Mountains or forests

Examples:

  • Turkey-Syria earthquake (2023)
  • Nepal earthquake (2015)
  • Hiker rescues in the Alps and Andes

2. Delivering Medical Supplies and Food

In blocked or remote areas, drones carry:

  • Medicines, vaccines
  • First aid kits
  • Food and water

Examples:

  • Zipline drones in Ghana and Rwanda
  • Hurricane Maria (Puerto Rico, 2017)

3. Mapping and Aerial Photography

Drones fly above disaster zones to create:

  • 3D maps of damage
  • Live aerial images for planning rescue missions

Examples:

  • Flood mapping in Bangladesh and India
  • Wildfire assessment in Australia and California

4. Communication Support

In disasters, phone towers may break down. Drones can:

  • Act as temporary communication relays
  • Provide GPS and internet signals to teams

Examples:

  • Earthquake zones in Mexico
  • Typhoon-hit areas in the Philippines

5. Damage Assessment and Planning

  • Survey damage safely and quickly
  • Help in insurance claims and government recovery planning
  • Identify areas for rebuilding

Examples:

  • Post-typhoon surveys in Japan (2021)
  • Cyclone Amphan assessment (India–Bangladesh)

6. Other Useful Tech in Disaster Response

Technology Purpose Example Use
Satellites Large-scale images, weather tracking Storm tracking in Pacific, Indian Ocean
GPS Team and survivor tracking Used in mountain rescues
Robots Explore unsafe buildings Japan and Mexico earthquake rescues
AI and Data Tools Risk prediction, logistics, alerts COVID-19 planning, flood alert systems

Conclusion

Drones and other smart technologies have made disaster response faster, safer, and more effective. They allow rescuers to reach people quickly, deliver life-saving supplies, and plan recovery better. As tech improves, even more lives can be saved during future disasters.

70%