Peshawar( The COW News Digital) In the aftermath of the tragic Swat River incident that claimed 13 lives, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced a major step forward in emergency response by deploying drone technology to assist in river rescue operations.
According to Express News, the provincial government has decided to use drones to deliver life-saving equipment such as life jackets, ropes, and emergency supplies to individuals stranded in rivers or flooded areas. The decision follows growing criticism over the lack of rapid response tools during the recent tragedy.
A demonstration was conducted to showcase the drone capabilities to Chief Secretary KP, where the aerial delivery of rescue gear was tested successfully. Officials confirmed that the test included dropping life jackets and rescue ropes from drones to designated points along the river, simulating real emergency scenarios.
This innovative measure comes just days after 18 people, including tourists, were swept away by flash floods in the Swat River. Rescue efforts were severely hindered due to the lack of proper equipment and delayed response times. The KP government’s adoption of aerial delivery systems aims to close this critical gap in emergency services.
As part of a broader modernization plan under the directives of Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, the Rescue 1122 service will be equipped with 2,000 life jackets and an upgraded inventory of emergency tools. The initiative also includes training rescue teams in operating drones and using advanced digital tracking systems to locate stranded victims faster.
The government believes that integrating drones into rescue operations will dramatically reduce response time, especially in remote or hard-to-reach flood-prone areas. It also ensures that vital rescue equipment can reach victims before ground teams arrive.
KP’s spokesperson stated, “Drone technology is a game-changer for emergency management. It enables immediate action when every second matters.” The government is committed to strengthening its emergency response units, especially as climate change increases the frequency of extreme weather events.
The new approach reflects a significant shift toward tech-enabled disaster response, positioning KP as a pioneer in using drones for life-saving purposes in South Asia.
