Drone Response in Flooding Emergencies
Overview
In recent years, the UK has experienced several major flooding events due to climate change & changes in the built environment. The impact of flooding is significant, with economic losses estimated to be over £333 million in the winter of 2019/2020 alone. Despite new flood defences, flooding cannot be stopped completely, & it is therefore important to deal with it effectively when it occurs. Drone technology can play a critical role in the coordination of a more efficient response to flooding, & in this case study, we will showcase how Team UAV has been instrumental in providing rapid response services during flood emergencies.
The Challenges
In the aftermath of a flood, it is vital to take action quickly to enable informed decision-making, minimise disruptions & save lives. The unique aerial perspective that drones offer is particularly useful in highlighting the extent & magnitude of flooding using the data they collect. However, drone response services need to be available 24/7, 365 days per year to ensure they can mobilise & stream a live video feed within six hours of an incident. Moreover, drones with the appropriate sensors need to be available to address a wide range of challenges, from identifying individuals stuck in their homes mapping the extent of flooding & assisting emergency responders providers coordinating rescues, to aiding communication providers in providing critical infrastructure efforts whilst primary means are down.
The Solution
Team UAV’s drone technology allows it to quickly & easily highlight the extent & magnitude of flooding using streamed video & photogrammetric processing of images. Depending on the sensor attached to the drone, Team UAV can also assist search & rescue teams by identifying individuals who may be stuck in their homes or other hard-to-reach places. Furthermore, its drones can act as temporary cell towers, removing network downtime while key infrastructure is brought back online & allowing those in the area to coordinate response efforts. Additionally, its multi-sensor suite offers the ability to stream thermal, targeted RGB & wide angle footage simultaneously. This capability together with its in-house built secure live streaming software allows all stakeholders to remain coordinated throughout the crisis.
The Result
Team UAV has been providing drone services for rapid response during flood emergencies to both Government Agencies & private corporations for several years. Their 24/7, 365 days per-year drone response services have been instrumental in providing live video feeds to incident control rooms, enabling key decision-makers at the highest levels of Government to assess the impact of flooding quickly. Team UAV has also assisted search & rescue teams in identifying individuals who may be stuck in their homes or other hard-to-reach places. By providing these services, Team UAV has helped provide early identification of breaches, mapped flood extents, minimised disruptions & undoubtedly saved lives during flood emergencies.