Drone based emergency supplies with prioritization of severely flood affected areas

Abstract

Floods are deadliest disaster among the natural disasters. Especially sudden occurrences of flood events, they can be devastating to a country or region, affecting the communities [1]. Between 2000 and 2025, floods occurred most frequently in Asia, about more than 50% of the disasters. In the Sri Lankan context, floods account the 68% of the disasters that occurred during 2000 – 2024. Since most of the populated urban spaces like Colombo are being affected by flood hazards. Kolonnawa is one of the suburbs within Colombo district which is the worst affected city due to 2016 flood. Kelani river is along the Kolonnawa DS. There are several GN divisions most affected by the 2016 flood and Wellampitiya, Kelanimulla, Gothatuwa, Udumulla North, Egoda Kolonnawa, Megoda Kolonnawa, and Singhapura are the heavily affected GN divisions during the 2016 floods [2]. The Search and Rescue (SAR) operations are crucial in disaster zones to provide emergency supplies within the shortest period. During the flood, conventional rescue and delivery options such as boats, trucks, or helicopters are not always a feasible option to do a search and rescue operation [3]. However, with emerging technologies, SAR operations can be more effective. Especially if urban areas get flooded, it’s very difficult to do the SAR operation. Boats can’t reach if any broken trees, electrical posts, or any kind of barriers restrict the way of approaching the victims. Helicopters can’t reach the victims if anyone is stuck in their houses and has no way to exit. It will increase the significant gap between the time of the disaster and the time of the rescue operation.