Around the country, severe weather patterns are becoming the norm. In 2019, for example, weather fatalities from floods, wind storms, and cold weather were all above the 30-year average. And climate experts predict the trend will continue. As these severe weather patterns sweep through the nation, communities everywhere are looking for ways to recover as quickly as possible when disaster strikes. For many cities, drones are a critical part of the solution.
Recently, our customer Quincy Media purchased several Mavic 2 Pros from us. When historic storms swept through Iowa, the drones went to work capturing footage that was essential in helping the community access the resources and media it needed.
Here’s the story.
The Extent of the Derecho Damage
The storm that moved through Iowa was known as a derecho – an extremely violent, fast-moving thunderstorm that ripped a path for 700 miles, from Nebraska to Indiana. The worst of the storm had winds of 70 MPH and left more than 300,000 people without power.
As if the property damage and power outages weren’t enough, the storm destroyed more than 10 million acres of corn and soybean fields throughout Iowa – an unwelcome cap to several challenging years for the agriculture industry. As it stands now, an estimated 43% of the corn and soybean crop in Iowa has been damaged by the storm. This represents a massive hit to the $10 billion industry that powers most of Iowa’s economy.
How our Drones Helped
Thanks to the carnage on the ground in much of the state, accurately surveying the damage on foot or from a vehicle was difficult. Instead, Quincy Media took a different approach: they got airborne.
Here’s what Dan Whealy, the Assistant Corporate Director of Engineering at Quincy Media, told Enterprise Sales Specialist Jeff Rutenberg:
Our station KWWL made national news last night with the Mavic 2 Pro via NBC Nightly News. This footage has helped make a significant difference in getting the necessary national attention for the affected communities so they can get Federal help. Thanks for your support and partnership to help get Quincy Media’s 2nd gen drone program rolling.
By documenting the type and extent of the damage, the Mavic 2 Pros played an integral role in ensuring aid and generating media attention for affected communities. In fact, the documentation eventually led to President Trump visiting the area.
The Role Drones Play in Disaster Relief
As drones continue to become more widespread, they’re playing increasingly essential roles in disaster relief efforts, as they did after the Iowa storms. In addition to capturing aerial footage, drones contribute to the following:
- Mapping. Large-scale disasters like earthquakes, wildfires, and flooding require accurate visual imaging and 3D mapping. Because crewed aircraft are expensive and time-consuming, however, drones step in, instead. By providing high-resolution images, drones help ensure first responders know which areas require immediate attention, and what type of aid to deliver.
- Delivering emergency supplies. When a natural disaster occurs, supply chains are interrupted. Fortunately, drones can bridge the gap by providing temporary infrastructure, helping deliver supplies, and enabling communication. This is especially important in hard-to-reach areas that are made more remote by the aftermath of disaster.
- Assessing structural damage. It’s difficult for relief workers to assess structural damage after a disaster. The dangers of collapse and potential explosion combine to make compromised buildings unstable and unsafe. Because of this, they often send drones in, instead. Drones equipped with infrared imaging cameras and other sensors can assess the damage to a building and uncover additional dangers, such as broken gas lines before crews go in.
Drones: Important Players on the Front Lines
As the environment continues to shift, drones are playing increasingly critical roles in reconnaissance and recovery efforts after major storms and severe weather. We’re proud that Quincy Media was able to use our Mavic 2 Pros to capture the aerial footage that helped Iowa communities get the aid and media coverage they needed, and we look forward to the important work drones will do in the future.
To learn more about our enterprise drone solutions, contact our team to request a consultation, or view our products now.