Drone That Delivers Lifesaving Supplies to Disaster-Hit Communities Dispatched to Government

01/08/24

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A drone that can deliver food, water, and medical supplies to hard-to-reach communities in Himachal Pradesh, northern India, was handed over to local government officials by Bal Raksha Bharat this month in a bid to respond to disasters quicker and more effectively.

Many communities in Himachal Pradesh are still reeling from last year’s floods and landslides, which affected around 125,000 people, including over 36,000 children, and resulted in more than 400 deaths.

In a first for the child right’s organization, Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children ) began testing the drone in the Chamba district in Himachal Pradesh as part of its flood response and found it would be an effective way to deliver much-needed supplies to remote communities.

The state-of-the-art drone has now been handed over to the State’s Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), who will use it to continue to deliver lifesaving supplies to communities affected by disasters.

Naveen Shukla, Assistant Manager Humanitarian and Disaster Risk Reduction, Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children), said:
“We tested the drone in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Chamba, Himachal Pradesh and found it can travel over 12 miles (19.3 km) from its launch site, carrying up to 20 kgs (44 lbs) of essential supplies. The drone can also fly in automated mode, which is important in case there’s a loss of the GPS and satellite signals during a disaster.

“It will be able to reach people in remote and cut-off areas of high mountainous, which become even harder to reach following any disaster situation due to blocked roads. This drone will likely save lives by providing lifesaving essential supplies in the current monsoon season and beyond.”

This year, India has already seen more erratic and extreme weather due to the climate crisis, including one of its worst heatwaves on record. Now, Himachal Pradesh is experiencing above-average rainfall as it enters the monsoon season, which typically lasts from June to September.

Sudarshan Suchi, CEO of Bal Raksha Bharat, said:
“Supporting the government to use drones to deliver medical supplies in the aftermath of a disaster is a game-changer. It helps ensure that even the most isolated communities can receive timely medical assistance, which is vital during emergencies, and it has the potential to be replicated across India. The initiative is all the more important given that we are seeing more extreme weather as a result of the climate crisis.”

In the aftermath of flooding in 2023, Bal Raksha Bharat also renovated 10 health facilities, providing toilets and making electrical and structural repairs to ensure they could continue to provide medical services. The organization also carried out extensive awareness campaigns, equipping communities and health facility workers with disaster preparedness skills such as first aid and evacuation procedures.

Geeta Lama

Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations

“I Lead Strategic Communication & Government Relations at Bal Raksha Bharat. Based in New Delhi, I oversee Media Relations, Communication and foster relationships with government entities to promote the welfare of children. I have a strong background in public affairs and have successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including NGOs and corporate partners."