UAVs can be effectively used in disaster management: NDMA

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be effectively used in disaster management, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today said.
"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," said R K Jain, Member, NDMA.
In a post-disaster situation, 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, he said during a national-level brainstorming session on "Application of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in Disaster Management".

The event was aimed to build and improve 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, Jain said that all stakeholders should strive to leverage existing technologies for quick and efficient disaster response.
"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," he said.
NDMA officials and experts from educational institutions such as Delhi Technological University (DTU) and Anna University along with organisations like Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) attended the event.

Representatives of many state disaster management authorities also participated in the brainstorming session.