LAHORE: The thermal drone flood rescue initiative has saved over 2,000 lives across Punjab. Advanced infrared drone technology, deployed by the Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA), enabled rapid location and rescue of stranded individuals and animals in flood-affected areas.
How Thermal Drone Flood Rescue Improved Emergency Response
Rescue 1122 Punjab spokesperson Farooq Ahmad told Wealth Pakistan that drone technology has made operations faster and more accurate. “The PSCA shares thermal images with our teams. These visuals help us locate and rescue people and animals more efficiently,” he said.
As a result of being equipped with infrared sensors, the drones detect heat signatures and convert them into thermal visuals. Then, they transmit these real-time feeds directly to Rescue 1122 and district administrations. As a result, teams respond swiftly in areas like Sialkot, Sahiwal, Sargodha, Gujrat, and Jhang.
Why Speed and Coordination Matter in Flood Rescue
“Technology has improved rescue operations and saved valuable time during emergencies,” Ahmad added. He emphasized that while natural disasters are inevitable, smart tools like thermal imaging can reduce their impact.
Moreover, he stressed the importance of public cooperation. “If people take early warnings seriously and prepare in advance, we can minimize damage and save more lives,” he said.
Punjab’s Thermal Drone Flood Rescue Sets a Regional Example
PSCA Director Omar Khayyam said Punjab’s successful pilot of thermal drone flood rescue sets a precedent for South Asia. “We’ve tested this technology, and it’s already proven effective in the U.S. and Europe,” he noted. He cited Texas floods, where similar drones helped locate survivors and victims.
In addition, Khayyam suggested that integrating artificial intelligence could further improve disaster response. “We at PSCA will continue to explore innovations that make Punjab safer,” he affirmed.
Expanding the Role of Thermal Technology in Disaster Management
As climate-related emergencies grow more frequent, Punjab’s use of thermal drones offers a scalable model for other regions. By combining real-time imaging with coordinated response teams, authorities can act faster and more effectively. This approach not only saves lives but also builds public trust in tech-driven governance.
Furthermore, the success of this initiative highlights the potential for future collaborations between technology providers, emergency services, and local governments.
