Role of Aviation in Disaster Management
May 8, 2017
Aviation, the art of aeronautics, is considered to be the safest mode of long-distance travel. The aviation industry has encountered lots of modernization till now. Varieties of new aircraft are already introduced with unleashing technologies and more than 100,000 flights happen per day all over the world currently.
Aviation has brought huge advancement and luxury in travel however; it has degraded the environment. The rapid pace of aviation growth today has contributed to increasing environmental pollution. Manufacturers are working out to reduce harmful gases produced by aircraft and make them eco-friendly. The companies like Boeing and Airbus are introducing more fuel efficient and less polluting aircraft.
The benefit of aviation however outnumbers its disadvantages. Transportation and connectivity are the two major aspects highly influenced by aviation. Air connectivity to the remote regions of a country is essential for many reasons including economic transformation, uplifting of living standard and much more. If we suppose or realize aviation as a country then it will be the source of huge economy in the world with the fact that it enhances numerous jobs, boosts up economic standards and supports sustainable economic growth.
The term Aviation is highly important in disaster management because of its speed and reliability during times of natural or humanitarian emergency. Air services play a vital role in assistance to regions facing natural disasters, famine and war. Moreover, air service is desperate in delivering aid, medical supplies and conducting search and rescue services in those area deprived of access by road.
The massive earthquake of 7.8 magnitude rattled Nepal on 25th April, 2015 killing more than 9000, injuring more than 22000 and resulting huge economic loss. Air service played a huge role in rescuing and delivering aids to earthquake victims all around the country. Nepal Army contributed their maximum effort through aviation department to assist earthquake victims.
Likewise, the military department from different countries around the world dispatched their air service to support and provide relief materials and rescue operation to earthquake victims at Nepal. U.S. Air force sent Bell Boeing VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) Osprey V-22 tilt rotor military aircraft to assist earthquake victims of Nepal. Besides, they also deployed C-17 and marine helicopters. Likewise, Air force from India and China also supported earthquake victims.
Mostly, helicopters are feasible in time of disasters such as flood, landslide, earthquake and critical rescue operations as they can approach difficult landscapes with maximum performance.
