Opinion | Drones came after Lirung. Nepal needs them before the next collapse
Summary
The Lirung collapse exposed how drones can aid rescue after a disaster, but Nepal still lacks fast permissions for using them to monitor high-risk slopes before a collapse. The article calls for standing authorizations so vetted institutions can survey dangerous glaciers and rock faces ahead of the next monsoon.
Key Points
- A drone filmed the onset of the Bhotekoshi disaster near Langtang Lirung, but existing warning systems failed to detect the collapse in time.
- The cabinet briefly waived drone permissions for rescue, while later restrictions showed the need for coordinated, pre-approved drone use.
- The author argues Nepal should create standing authorizations for vetted institutions to conduct repeated hazard-monitoring flights over high-risk slopes and glaciers.
- Researchers and disaster officials could use the results to place sensors, assess slope changes, and improve preparedness plans before the next monsoon.
