On March 28, 2025, Myanmar was struck by a catastrophic 7.7-magnitude earthquake, leaving devastation in its wake. The tremors were centered near Mandalay, shaking the region with terrifying force. Buildings crumbled, roads split open, and entire villages were reduced to rubble. The disaster claimed over 1,000 lives, with thousands more injured and homeless. Among the worst-hit areas was Bagan, home to Myanmar’s treasured ancient temples, many of which collapsed under the quake’s fury.
Natural disasters are brutal reminders of human vulnerability. The Myanmar earthquake showed, once again, how unpredictable nature can be and how quickly lives can be upturned. But amid the despair, hope emerged from an unexpected source: drones.
The Rise of Drones in Disaster Response
In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, emergency responders faced a daunting challenge: vast areas of destruction, collapsed buildings trapping survivors, and blocked roads making rescue efforts nearly impossible. This is where drones became invaluable.
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging sensors were deployed to survey the damage from above. They scanned collapsed buildings for signs of life, identified the safest routes for rescue teams, and helped authorities understand the full scale of destruction in a matter of hours—something that would have taken days using traditional methods.
In Mandalay, rescue workers used drones to pinpoint people trapped under debris, guiding emergency teams with precise location data. In remote villages cut off by landslides, drones delivered emergency medical supplies, food, and water. Their ability to navigate hazardous areas without risking human lives made them a game-changer in the crisis.
India’s Own Battle with Natural Disasters
India is no stranger to natural calamities. Earthquakes, floods, cyclones, and landslides frequently test the country’s resilience. From the 2001 Gujarat earthquake to the 2013 Uttarakhand floods and the 2020 Assam landslides, India has witnessed numerous disasters that have claimed lives and caused massive destruction.
Despite having one of the world’s largest disaster response forces—the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)—India still struggles with delayed rescue efforts, logistical challenges, and inadequate real-time information in disaster-hit areas. Traditional methods of disaster response often rely on ground surveys, satellite imagery, and human reconnaissance, all of which can be slow and inefficient.
What India Can Learn from Myanmar’s Use of Drones
Myanmar’s successful deployment of drones in disaster management offers crucial lessons for India. Here’s how the country can integrate drone technology into its disaster response strategy:
1. Invest in Widespread Drone Deployment
Currently, drone usage in India’s disaster management is limited to select agencies and private organizations. To truly harness the power of drones, India must invest in a national fleet of disaster-response drones, strategically placed across vulnerable regions. These drones should be ready for immediate deployment when calamity strikes.
2. Equip Drones with Advanced Technology
Not all drones are equal. For disaster response, India needs drones with:
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Thermal imaging to detect heat signatures of trapped survivors.
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LiDAR sensors for 3D mapping of affected areas.
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Payload capacity to deliver essential supplies.
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AI-powered analytics to process real-time data for better decision-making.
3. Train Disaster Response Teams in Drone Operations
Owning drones isn’t enough; India needs skilled professionals to operate them effectively. NDRF and state disaster response teams should receive hands-on training in drone navigation, data analysis, and emergency response planning using aerial surveillance.
4. Establish a Centralized Drone Command Center
To ensure seamless coordination, India should set up a national disaster drone command center. This hub can monitor and control drone operations, analyze real-time data, and relay critical information to ground teams instantly.
5. Use Drones for Post-Disaster Recovery
Beyond rescue operations, drones can play a crucial role in post-disaster assessment and rebuilding efforts. They can help assess structural damage, identify areas requiring urgent reconstruction, and even assist in insurance claim verifications.
India’s Current Steps Toward Drone Integration
India has already taken small yet significant steps in integrating drones into disaster management. The Indian Army and NDRF have used drones for surveillance during floods and landslides. During the 2023 Manipur floods, drones helped locate stranded individuals and deliver emergency supplies.
However, these efforts remain scattered and lack a unified national policy on drone-assisted disaster management. The Myanmar earthquake is a wake-up call for India to scale up its efforts and build a robust, tech-driven disaster response system.
India's Humanitarian Response to Myanmar: A Step in the Right Direction
Despite its own challenges, India was quick to extend a helping hand to Myanmar. Under ‘Operation Brahma,’ the Indian Air Force dispatched 15 tonnes of relief material, including tents, blankets, food supplies, and medical aid. This gesture reinforced India’s commitment to being a regional leader in humanitarian assistance.
However, providing aid is just one part of the equation. To truly lead in disaster management, India must be proactive rather than reactive. That means investing in advanced disaster response technology, including drones, and ensuring preparedness before calamities strike.
The Road Ahead: Building a Disaster-Resilient India
Natural disasters are inevitable, but their impact can be mitigated with the right technology and preparedness. Myanmar’s use of drones in earthquake response has proven how effective these flying machines can be in saving lives.
For India, the message is clear: the future of disaster response lies in the sky. By embracing drone technology, the country can revolutionize how it handles crises, ensuring faster, safer, and more efficient disaster management.
As the ground shakes, it’s time for India to let the sky respond. The question is not if India should invest in drone-based disaster response—the question is how soon it can make it a reality.
