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Ag drones being used in Hurricane Helene rescue and recovery
The agriculture industry is stepping up to help Western North Carolina following the destruction of Hurricane Helene.
A group of ag drone pilots are assisting in the rescue, recovery, and relief efforts in western North Carolina. Emily Cave and her husband Preston farm in Surry County, about 3 hours northeast of Asheville, one of the areas hit the hardest by Hurricane Helene.
Emily says a couple of days ago her husband was using his drone for agriculture. This week, it has an entirely different use. “It’s so far been missions that are confined spaces that helicopters can’t get to,” she says. “Or not quite medical emergencies, but they need supplies.”
She tells Brownfield the thermal imaging on one of the drones has been incredibly beneficial in their efforts. “The one drone that had the night vision on it, they were able to fly overnight to find signs of heat coming out of homes,” she says. “If someone had started a fire and the drones would detect warmth, or live bodies, and they could drop a pin on their remotes (location).”
Earlier this week the group helped evacuate more than 100 people without risking any other lives in the process.
She says this is the first time these drones have been used like this in the U.S. Cave says the drones can fly up to 20 miles from the operator and also have winching capabilities. She says one of the drones has speakers, allowing operators to communicate with stranded individuals and let them know help is on the way.
Andy Curliss with the National Pork Producers Council says North Carolina pork producers are already helping where they can. “Helping to feed people across Western North Carolina,” he says. “I am aware of pork producers who have been delivering supplies, food, water, equipment, from the East out to the West.”
Cave says the ag community in North Carolina isn’t the only one lending a hand. Drone operators from Kentucky, Florida, Wisconsin, Alabama, and South Dakota are also assisting in the efforts.
She says the drones being used are the drones with components manufactured in China and are currently being scrutinized by Congress. She says without this technology, the operators couldn’t be doing what they’re doing right now. Cave says regulation and oversight are needed, but an outright ban on this type of technology would be detrimental to advancements in U.S. agriculture.
If anyone wants to help, there are multiple options available. To directly help the drone community that is currently on the ground working, Venmo @Russell-Hedrick-85, who has been in communication with companies providing tractor-trailer loads of water. Otherwise, donations can be made to Samaritans Purse, The American Red Cross, Baptists on Mission, or World Central Kitchen.
AUDIO: Emily Cave, North Carolina
Photo used with permission from Emily and Preston Cave.
This is fantastic. I am a drone operator and know fully well how advantageous this technology can be in situations like this. Even the mapping out of roads and routes and what resources need to come into play in order to blaze a trail makes a huge impact. Sending a crew of 10 men with chainsaws along with a bobcat and front end loaders can move a mountain in comparison. And with the infrared and night vision, as you said; even the night watch can become a protective harvest of hope and healing. I salute you for your valor.