Kathmandu [Nepal], Sept 15 – Australia has handed over 17 specialised drones to Nepal on Tuesday to strengthen the country’s capacity for rapid disaster assessment and emergency response.
Australian Ambassador Simon Ernst joined the Australian Disaster Assistance Team (DART) to hand over the drones to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), according to the Australian Embassy in Nepal.
The equipment is intended to support Nepal’s disaster preparedness and response by enabling authorities to conduct rapid assessments, improve situational awareness and strengthen coordination during emergencies.
The Australian DART team had participated in government-led search and rescue operations in Nuwakot and Rasuwa following the recent floods. The team also trained Nepali officials in operating the drone equipment.
Ernst said Australia was supporting Nepal’s disaster readiness and highlighted the team’s search and rescue support and training of Nepali officials.
The drones are expected to help authorities assess disaster-affected areas and gather information more quickly, particularly when access to affected locations is difficult or delayed.
The handover comes as Nepal continues recovery and response efforts following the devastating floods that affected several districts.
