Drones Lead the Way in Assisting Flood Relief Operations in Andhra Pradesh
Relentless rain and flooding have caused widespread disruption in Andhra Pradesh, leaving lakhs of people in multiple districts struggling to access basic necessities.
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Severe rainfall and flooding in Andhra Pradesh have claimed the lives of at least 17 people, leaving hundreds of thousands in dire need of essential supplies across several districts. The worst-hit regions include Vijayawada, NTR, Guntur, Krishna, Eluru, Palnadu, Bapatla, and Prakasam, where extensive farmlands have been inundated.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu called the floods the most devastating disaster he has encountered during his political career in the state.
Drones in Flood Relief Operations in Andhra Pradesh
To support relief efforts, the state government, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), has started using drones to distribute food packets, water, and other essential supplies to those affected by the floods.
Previously used only for aerial assessments, drones are now streamlining relief operations, making them quicker, more efficient, and reducing the reliance on fuel-heavy helicopters traditionally used in such missions.
State Minister Nara Lokesh noted that this marks the first time drones have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh for delivering relief materials. Chief Minister Naidu reported that eight to nine drones were used on Monday to deliver food packets—comprising biscuits, fruits, milk, and medicines—to around 10,000 people, with plans to increase drone deployment to up to 35 units by Tuesday.
