Kavrepalanchowk, October 7
Drones are being deployed to deliver food and essentials to a disaster-hit village in Panauti Municipality-12, Kavre, after incessant rains last week destroyed rural roads, cutting off access.
In collaboration with Airlift Technology, the organisation Hami Nepal has begun airlifting relief materials to Magargaun, which includes rice and other necessities. Parikshyan Humagain, a volunteer with the organisation, said the first delivery of rice was made on Sunday. The organisation is supplying aid to 85 families affected by floods and landslides in the remote village.
Humagain noted that due to road blockages, drones are the only feasible option to provide immediate help. The drones are operating from Bhumidanda, as the road from Panauti Bazaar has been severely damaged. Each drone can carry up to 65 kilograms of supplies, but when wind conditions are unfavourable, only 20 kilograms can be transported at a time.
Today, drones will deliver rice, solar lights, oil, salt, spices, sanitary pads, and lactogen for children. Similar drone relief efforts are planned for other affected areas without road access.
The death toll from the disaster in Kavre has reached 77, accounting for over 31% of the country’s flood and landslide fatalities this week.
