Kavrepalanchowk: In the aftermath of last week's incessant rainfall that severely disrupted rural roads in Kavre, drones are being used to deliver essential food supplies to villages affected by floods and landslides. The initiative is led by Hami Team Nepal, in partnership with Airlift Technology, targeting the remote settlement of Magargaun in Panauti Municipality-12.

Parikshyan Humagain, a volunteer from Hami Team Nepal, confirmed that food supplies, including rice, have already been sent to the village on Sunday. With roads blocked and the village geographically remote, drones have become the primary mode of transportation for delivering relief materials to the 85 flood-affected families in the area.

In addition to rice, the relief effort includes the delivery of solar lights, salt, oil, spices, sanitary pads, and lactogen for children. The drones are being operated from Bhumidanda, as the road leading to Magargaun from Panauti Bazaar has been rendered impassable by the rains.

Humagain, also a social activist, highlighted the capability of the drones, which can transport up to 65 kilograms of supplies at a time under favorable weather conditions. If wind conditions are unfavorable, smaller loads of around 20 kilograms are sent.

The organization has also collected data from other similarly affected areas without road access, aiming to prioritize drone deliveries where needed most.

Kavre has been one of the worst-hit districts by recent floods and landslides, with a death toll of 77, including 33 women and 16 children. Across the country, 244 people have lost their lives due to the disaster, with 31.56% of the casualties coming from Kavre alone, according to the District Police Office in Dhulikhel.