Search and rescue (SAR) operations are critical in emergency situations, such as natural disasters or accidents. In India, these operations are often challenging due to the country’s vast and diverse terrain. Drones are emerging as a game-changer in SAR operations, offering faster and more effective ways to locate and rescue distressed people. In this blog, we’ll explore how drones improve SAR operations in India.

Benefits of using drones in SAR operations:

• Speed: Drones can cover large areas quickly, reducing the time it takes to locate people in distress.
• Accessibility: Drones can reach areas that are difficult to access by ground or manned aircraft, such as mountains or dense forests.
• Accuracy: Drones can capture high-resolution images and videos, allowing for more detailed search and analysis.
• Safety: Drones can reduce the risks for SAR teams, by providing real-time information on the situation on the ground.

Applications of drone technology in SAR operations:

• Search and rescue: Drones can be equipped with thermal imaging cameras and other sensors, allowing them to locate people in distress, even in low light or obscured conditions.
• Damage assessment: Drones can be used to assess the extent of damage caused by natural disasters or accidents, helping to prioritize rescue efforts and allocate resources more effectively.
• Communication: Drones can be used to establish communication links in areas where traditional communication systems have failed.

Examples of drone-based SAR operations in India:

• Kerala floods: In 2018, Kerala faced one of its worst floods recently. Drones were used extensively in SAR operations, helping to locate people in flooded areas and assess the extent of damage caused by the floods. Drones were also used to establish communication links in areas where communication systems had failed.
• Maharashtra landslides: In 2021, Maharashtra faced severe landslides due to heavy rainfall. Drones were used to locate people in the affected areas and assess the extent of damage caused by the landslides.

Challenges and considerations:

• Regulatory approval: The use of drones for SAR operations requires regulatory approval from authorities such as the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Data privacy and security: The use of drones for SAR operations raises concerns around data privacy and security. SAR teams must ensure that sensitive information is protected.
• Maintenance and training: Drones require regular maintenance and skilled operators. SAR teams must invest in training and maintenance to ensure the safe and effective use of drones.

Conclusion:

The use of drones in SAR operations is a game-changer in India. Drones offer faster, more effective ways to locate and rescue people in distress, with the potential to save lives and reduce risks for SAR teams. While there are challenges and considerations to be addressed, the benefits of using drones in SAR operations are clear. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see more SAR teams in India and around the world adopt drone-based SAR operations.

References:

• “Drones become crucial in rescue operations during natural disasters.” Economic Times, 25 Aug. 2018, economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/drones-become-crucial-in-rescue-operations-during-natural-disasters/articleshow/65534906.cms.
• “Drones play a key role in search and rescue operations.” Deccan Herald, 28 Jul. 2021, www.deccanherald.com/national/west/maharashtra-rains-drones-play-key-role-in-search-and-rescue-operations-1013664.html.
• “Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 – Air Transport Series X, Part I – Requirements and Procedure for Certification of