Hope Rising: Drones Transform Lives in Post-Earthquake Nepal
Key Takeaways:
- The Ghorka Earthquake devastated Nepal on April 25, causing widespread damage and displacing tens of thousands.
- DJI collaborated with local organizations, including UAViators, Pix4D, and Kathmandu University, to empower local students and aid disaster response.
- Through hands-on training with drone technology, students gained skills to support humanitarian efforts and future disaster management in Nepal.
- Aerial mapping and data collection initiatives demonstrated the potential of drone technology in restoring destroyed communities.
“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” – Lao Tzu
The Ghorka Earthquake: A Nation in Crisis
On April 25, 2015, disaster struck Central Nepal as the region was hit by its most devastating earthquake, the Ghorka Earthquake. The seismic shock claimed thousands of lives and left many more in dire conditions, lacking access to clean water and medical supplies. Entire communities that had flourished in the mountain landscapes for generations were displaced. In response to this catastrophic event, leaders from the UAV industry, including DJI, joined forces with organizations like UAViators, Pix4D, Smartisan, and Kathmandu University, determined to support recovery and rebuilding efforts in Nepal.
A Collective Effort for Change
In a collaborative effort, this project harnessed innovative drone technology paired with the knowledge of local students, laying a foundation for a more resilient future. Kathmandu University students were equipped with cutting-edge resources and trained to lead responses in disaster-prone areas. The Kathmandu Flying Labs, an innovation hub aligned with UAViators, viewed Nepal as a testing ground to redefine aerial mapping and improve disaster response efficiency.
Empowering Local Students
On September 20th, key representatives from DJI, Pix4D, and UAViators convened in Kathmandu to kickstart an intensive training program. The first three days focused on familiarizing students with the Phantom 3 drones slated for use in mapping devastated areas. Alongside learning drone operation, students engaged with the principles of humanitarian relief and witnessed the life-saving potential of UAV technology. Their enthusiasm for this opportunity was palpable, as they envisioned how drones could help rebuild their homeland.
Aerial Mapping in Action
After honing their skills, students were taken to Panga, a village that had faced substantial destruction, where the ruins of over 600 buildings were evident. Paul Moore from DJI remarked on the devastation: “I had always pictured Nepal as a land of rich history and beautiful architecture, but witnessing the aftermath in Panga left me speechless.”
National Geographic photographer Kike Calvo, capturing the experience for Pix4D, was equally affected by the resilience displayed by the villagers who worked tirelessly to remove rubble, emphasizing that drone technology goes beyond creating stunning visuals; it provides local communities the tools to tackle pressing challenges.
Bringing the Village Together
Through the collaborative efforts of students and instructors, the team successfully documented the streets of Panga using drone footage and still images, ultimately producing a high-definition ortho-rectified map. Villagers actively participated in this endeavor, marking locations for fresh water sources, emergency shelters, and escape routes on the displayed maps. This marked a groundbreaking moment for the people of Panga, as it was the first time they viewed their village from the skies.
Skills for the Future
The dynamic teamwork fostered among the students and professionals garnered admiration from the local community. Krista Montgomery from Pix4D acknowledged the enthusiastic participation of the Kathmandu University students, stating, “This collaboration highlighted the eagerness of young professionals to embrace this technology, equipping them for future endeavors in fields such as surveying and geomatics.”
The eagerness and speed with which the students adapted to drone technology demonstrated their commitment. They even suggested novel applications for UAVs, such as inspecting power lines and monitoring glacial changes over time. This enthusiasm remained unwavering throughout the demanding landscape of this initiative, marking an inspiring chapter in the application of drone technology in humanitarian aid.
With the completion of the project, students processed the collected data in the computer labs at Kathmandu University, showcasing their confidence and newfound skills. Drone technology has transformed Nepal’s approach to challenges, allowing future generations to build on this foundation. Their proactive attitude and passion promise hope for tackling natural disasters when they arise.
Special appreciation goes to all who contributed to this innovative project: Kathmandu University, the dedicated students, UAViators, Pix4D, Smartisan, and the supportive Nepalese government.
Post-Quake: 3D Panga by Pix4D on Sketchfab
To explore UAViators’ contributions to the Nepal project, visit: http://iRevolutions.org/2015/09/28/aerial-robotics-in-the-land-of-buddha
Kike Calvo’s newly published book “So You Want To Create Maps Using Drones?” is now available on Amazon.
To learn more about Pix4D’s work in the mapping industry, visit: https://pix4d.com
