Introducing drone technology into rescue operations.

VHO - Faced with the complex and urgent developments of Typhoon No. 13 threatening the central provinces, SOS rescue teams said they are focusing on and dividing up access areas to prepare for rescue operations, in order to assist people and conduct rescue in all dangerous situations. One solution that the teams are emphasizing is updating their drone technology capabilities for rescue operations.

Mr. Tran Huu Duc Nhat, Chairman of the Da Nang Creative Development Association and a member of the rescue teams in the former Da Nang - Quang Nam area, said that from the recent major floods in the North and the two severe floods in Hue and Quang Nam, the SOS teams have accumulated a lot of "practical" experience, ready to face new challenges before the 2025 rainy season hits Central Vietnam.

Bringing technology into practical rescue operations.

According to Mr. Nhat, these SOS teams are essentially groups of local volunteers, willing to volunteer and participate in rescue and relief efforts for people in areas affected by natural disasters.

Using drones to deliver food to people in flood-affected areas.

These teams are all spontaneous and self-organized, continuously formed from 2022 to the present, responding to every major storm and flood event in the north, from Quang Ninh to Hanoi , up to Thai Nguyen, Lai Chau, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang… With each natural disaster, the teams have gained more new members, just as provinces and cities have added new teams.

During the two recent floods in Central Vietnam, more than 10 SOS teams assembled, with the most active teams coming from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Dak Lak , etc. These teams directly went into flooded areas to participate in rescue operations, successfully connecting with other locations to save lives, and assisting charitable organizations and functional forces such as the army and police in reaching many people in dire straits.

It is noteworthy that these teams all include groups proficient in drone technology to apply in practical situations, organize information monitoring, build data on the area and terrain, and directly participate in rescue operations.

It can be said that, to date, this is the digital technology force with the highest quality and safest approach to rescue operations. From initial awkwardness, SOS teams using drones are now very proficient, ensuring they can handle many emergency situations, and even creating many innovative methods to reach isolated areas safely and effectively.

According to Mr. Nhat, drone technology currently in use mainly falls into two groups: reconnaissance drones that collect data and report back to a central hub; and large drones used to transport support equipment and relief supplies to the people.

In Thai Nguyen recently, several drone teams directly flew into isolated areas, delivering food and water to residents in a timely manner. In Hue and Quang Nam, where many dangerous landslide areas and deeply flooded regions were inaccessible, teams also deployed drones to collect data, map the terrain, and assist functional forces in understanding the current situation to access and participate in rescue efforts and deliver food to people in remote areas.

All evidence demonstrates the necessity of applying drone technology to rescue operations.

We need investment and in-depth professional training!

According to members of SOS Hanoi and Dak Lak, investing in drone equipment for rescue operations is a positive and practical solution that requires attention from local authorities at all levels and relevant agencies, along with appropriate investment plans and more in-depth professional guidance.

Authorities are coordinating with technology-based SOS teams in flooded areas.

Specifically, if data-gathering reconnaissance drones can be integrated into local database systems managed by relevant authorities, they will immediately gain more operational capabilities, clearly delineate access areas, ensure more and more accurate data, and provide safer and more reliable information for search and rescue operations.

Drones used in real-world situations, which also require further evaluation and investment, with diverse tasks, will help make rescue operations more effective.

According to Duc Nhat, these could be drones equipped with ultra-high-definition, super-zoom cameras, capable of flying into isolated areas, clearly detecting objects and problems, capturing the sharpest images, and reporting them back to the control center.

These drones could be equipped with thermal sensors, capable of detecting victims on the ground or people in need of rescue. However, most current drones are not waterproof or able to withstand strong winds…

Drones conduct reconnaissance flights over Hue City.

Furthermore, to further enhance the effectiveness of local information, people in these areas need to be proactively connected and communicated with.

If they were provided with investment and readily available small, hand-cranked generators from the military to charge mobile phones, and had technologically advanced drones to support telecommunication hotspots upon arrival, then the majority of people would be able to proactively connect with each other and with the authorities. Consequently, the effectiveness of rescue and relief communication would be greatly enhanced.

In the most urgent cases, residents in low-lying areas also need assistance from authorities such as the military, who should invest in shortwave radio stations to communicate with each other and with the nearest troops.

These stations will only transmit signals when troops are deployed for rescue operations, making it very convenient for authorities to immediately identify areas requiring urgent assistance. Through the system of drones for information and support in delivering supplies and food, the effectiveness of rescue operations will clearly increase many times over.

In fact, today, following news of Typhoon No. 13 heading towards Central Vietnam, SOS teams have moved to southern areas, deploying to vulnerable regions, and are working tirelessly to participate in rescue and relief efforts, regardless of the dangers.

Specifically, the Dak Lak SOS team has deployed three main groups, prioritizing local operations but remaining ready to provide support to Quang Nam and Quang Ngai. The Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City SOS teams are stationed at local forward command centers. Accordingly, drone technology is proving truly effective in rescue efforts in Central Vietnam.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/doi-song/dua-cong-nghe-drone-vao-cuu-ho-179992.html