Mozambique now has 30 certified drone operators to help combat cyclones, floods, and humanitarian emergencies from the air, following the completion of training funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) with US$967,000.
According to a statement released by the financial institution and accessed by Lusa, this group was trained under the “Drone-Based Disaster Management Solution” project, with the bank noting that the country is now marking a shift in its approach to preparedness and mitigation of natural disasters.
The 30 certified professionals, including ten newly certified drone instructors from various government entities and departments, received training in drone piloting skills, airspace regulation, data collection protocols, mission planning for disaster management scenarios, and drone maintenance, according to the AfDB.
“The Bank will continue to facilitate capacity-building activities as part of its policy dialogue, with the aim of delivering low-cost services to the population of Mozambique. By moving from training to active operations, we are ensuring that national institutions are equipped with the tools and skills to respond more effectively and save lives,” said Rômulo Corrêa, AfDB Resident Representative in Mozambique, as quoted in the statement.
According to the Bank, once the training phase is completed, the project will now deploy drones in five areas identified by the government as highly prone to disasters and flooding. Ten of the 30 certified operators will be selected for this phase, where they will provide expertise in advanced drone technology applications, including search and rescue, aerial mapping and surveillance, water quality monitoring, and data workflows for early warning systems.
“The completion of this training phase is a significant milestone, not only for the project but also for Mozambique’s broader digital resilience strategy. We are proud to have trained the first group of certified drone operators and instructors who will serve as the backbone of this national capacity,” said Adérito Celso Félix Aramuge, Director-General of the National Institute of Meteorology, as quoted in the document.
Mozambique is considered one of the countries most severely affected by climate change worldwide, facing recurring floods and tropical cyclones during the rainy season, which runs from October to April.
The number of deaths in the latest rainy season rose to 311, with 1.7 million people affected since October, according to the latest update from the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management and Reduction, released in early May.
Source: Diário Económico
