Nepal’s army uses Chinese drones for flood relief
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Nepal’s army began employing four DJI FlyCart 100 drones, donated by China, to deliver aid and recover bodies after flash floods hit the country’s border with Tibet.
On August 26, melting glacier water caused floods that damaged communities, hydropower sites, and border crossings, making ground access difficult. The drones are carrying approximately 132 pounds of supplies per trip, completing 10 to 16 runs daily to reach isolated survivors.
Santosh Budhathoki, a drone pilot working with the army, explained that drones are the only practical way to transport essential goods like food, medicine, and fuel to affected areas. As of September 9, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed 1,369 deaths and reported over 5,000 people still missing, including 587 foreign nationals. Beyond delivering food, the drones assist in reconnaissance and the transport of deceased individuals.
The army has also deployed over 21,000 personnel for search and rescue, and helicopters are assisting with the operation. The International Organization for Migration is requesting $20.5 million to aid 43,000 people impacted by the floods, and Airlift Technology’s Milan Pandey believes drones offer a faster, cheaper solution given Nepal’s challenging terrain.
