Project Overview

After a 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck a province in 2024, rescue teams immediately initiated emergency response operations.

The earthquake caused widespread disruption across the affected area, including collapsed buildings and blocked roads, making conventional ground-based assessment and rescue more difficult.

To obtain rapid aerial intelligence and support search and rescue operations, the emergency response team deployed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drones.

Equipped with LiDAR, high-definition cameras, and thermal imaging systems, the drones took off approximately 15 minutes after the earthquake and began surveying the affected area.

The drones completed 3D terrain modeling of approximately 30 square kilometers, identified 12 collapsed buildings and 5 blocked road sections, and used thermal imaging to detect heat signals associated with three trapped individuals.

The locations were transmitted in real time to the ground command center, helping rescue teams conduct more targeted searches and contributing to the successful rescue of seven survivors.

The drones continued aerial patrols for approximately 72 hours, transmitting around 800 GB of data to support secondary disaster warnings, rescue resource allocation, and ongoing situational awareness.

The integrated drone and ground rescue operation improved search and rescue efficiency by approximately 40%.

The Challenge

The Critical Golden 72 Hours

The first hours following a major earthquake are critical for locating and rescuing people who may be trapped under collapsed structures. Rescue teams need accurate information quickly to determine where to allocate personnel and equipment.

Damaged Ground Infrastructure

The earthquake caused multiple roads to become blocked, limiting ground access to affected areas. This made it difficult for rescue teams to quickly obtain a complete overview of the disaster zone.

Large-Area Disaster Assessment

The affected area covered approximately 30 square kilometers. Conducting a comprehensive ground survey across such a large area would require significant time and manpower.

Collapsed Buildings

Collapsed structures created multiple potential rescue locations. Identifying damaged buildings quickly was essential for prioritizing search and rescue operations.

Locating Trapped Survivors

People trapped beneath collapsed structures can be difficult to locate through conventional visual inspection alone. Aerial thermal sensing provided an additional method for identifying potential survivor locations.

Ongoing Secondary Disaster Risks

Even after the initial earthquake, damaged structures, blocked roads, and changing terrain conditions could create additional risks. Continuous aerial monitoring was therefore required beyond the initial search and rescue phase.

The Drone Emergency Response Solution

The rescue team deployed VTOL fixed-wing drones to provide rapid aerial intelligence and continuous monitoring throughout the emergency response.

The drones integrated multiple sensing and communication capabilities:

• LiDAR
• High-definition cameras
• Thermal imaging
• 3D terrain modeling
• Real-time data transmission

How the Drone Rescue Operation Worked

1. Rapid Drone Deployment

The drones took off approximately 15 minutes after the earthquake, allowing aerial assessment to begin during the critical early response period.

2. 3D Terrain Mapping

LiDAR and high-definition cameras were used to survey approximately 30 square kilometers of the affected area. The collected data was used to generate 3D terrain models and provide rescue teams with an updated view of the disaster environment.

3. Identify Structural and Road Damage

The aerial survey identified:

• 12 collapsed buildings
• 5 blocked road sections

This information helped the command center understand the extent of infrastructure damage and identify areas requiring immediate attention.

4. Conduct Thermal Search

Thermal imaging was used to scan disaster areas for heat signals that could indicate trapped people. The system detected heat signals associated with three trapped individuals.

5. Transmit Coordinates in Real Time

The detected locations were transmitted to the ground command center in real time. Rescue teams could then use the information to guide more targeted search and rescue operations.

6. Continue Aerial Monitoring

Following the initial rescue response, the drones continued to patrol the affected area for approximately 72 hours.

The continuous aerial operation provided updated information for:

• Secondary disaster warnings
• Rescue resource allocation
• Disaster-area monitoring
• Ongoing emergency decision-making

Project Results

Drone Deployment in 15 Minutes

The drones were deployed approximately 15 minutes after the earthquake, enabling rapid aerial assessment during the critical early response period.

30 km² of Disaster Area Mapped

The drones completed 3D terrain modeling across approximately 30 square kilometers, providing a comprehensive aerial overview of the affected area.

12 Collapsed Buildings Identified

The aerial survey identified 12 collapsed buildings, helping rescue teams prioritize potential search locations.

5 Blocked Roads Detected

The drones identified five blocked road sections, providing important information for ground rescue route planning.

7 Survivors Successfully Rescued

The integrated aerial and ground rescue operation contributed to the successful rescue of seven survivors.

72 Hours of Continuous Monitoring

The drone fleet continued to patrol the affected area for approximately 72 hours, extending aerial support beyond the initial emergency response.

800 GB of Data Transmitted

Approximately 800 GB of data was transmitted during the operation, providing valuable information for disaster assessment, secondary disaster warnings, and rescue resource allocation.

40% Higher Search & Rescue Efficiency

The integration of drone-based aerial intelligence with ground rescue operations improved overall search and rescue efficiency by approximately 40%.