By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim MagillAfter Hurricane Helene, a powerful and deadly storm, cut off almost all major roads serving western North Carolina, isolating thousands of people, a small group of private drone operators stepped in to deliver life-saving supplies. The Bestway employees were joined by other volunteer drone operators from the Ashville, North Carolina region. Every morning the volunteer drone operators received an assignment from the local emergency management officials, giving them an area to search for storm survivors in need of assistance. Both volunteer drone operators praised local emergency management officials for their effective response to the disaster. Then on Oct. 2, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigiegposted a brief videotaped statement to social media urging private drone operators to obey all temporary flight restrictions in the disaster area.

Source: Forbes October 12, 2024 10:18 UTC