Story perspectives

Nepal deploys DJI FlyCart drones, moving 3,508 pounds

By Drooid · Sep 14, 2026, 6:48 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Nepal Army Deploys Drones

Nepal's army deployed four DJI FlyCart 100 drones to deliver aid after flash floods.
The drones made 10-16 relief runs daily, hauling about 132 pounds per trip.
By September 9 they had transported 3,508 pounds of food across 31 flights.
They also moved bodies from hard-to-reach sites, according to Airlift Technology’s Milan Pandey.

Summary

Advocates Push Cash

Advocates promote cash transfers to flood survivors as dignified aid that meets needs and boosts local markets.
Community members criticize NGOs for turning relief sites into social-media stages, calling the practice dehumanizing.
Experts warn temporary shelters often become permanent and urge rebuilding with local materials and skills.
Women report aid programs fail to address their specific shelter, financial, health, and sanitation needs.

History

Historical Context

The 26 December 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, triggered by a magnitude 9.2 earthquake, killed about 227,898 people across 14 countries and spurred a $14 billion global humanitarian response that introduced large-scale cash-for-work programs. Those cash-based practices now shape Nepal’s army use of DJI FlyCart 100 drones to deliver aid, echoing the shift toward rapid, market-oriented relief.

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Nepal Army Deploys Drones

Nepal's army deployed four DJI FlyCart 100 drones to deliver aid after flash floods.
The drones made 10-16 relief runs daily, hauling about 132 pounds per trip.
By September 9 they had transported 3,508 pounds of food across 31 flights.
They also moved bodies from hard-to-reach sites, according to Airlift Technology’s Milan Pandey.

1 / 3