Logistics and Rescue Operations, Role of Aviation in Disaster management in Pakistan

Abstract

Background: The aviation industry plays a crucial role in disaster management by providing rapid response and critical support to affected areas. Disaster situations such as natural disasters, pandemics and humanitarian crises often require urgent and efficient transportation of supplies, equipment and personnel to and from affected areas. Objective: This study examines the current disaster management framework and assesses the extent to which aviation is integrated into it in Pakistan. Methods: The type of research for this study was a qualitative approach. This approach allowed a comprehensive understanding of logistics and rescue operation viz-a-viz role of aviation in disaster management in Pakistan and it will help to triangulate data from multiple sources to ensure reliability and validity. Hence the type of research used was explanatory. Results: The findings of this study showed that lack of resources, limited infrastructure, regulatory obstacles and weather condition were the major limitations. Specifically, enhancing collaboration and coordination among different aviation and disaster management agencies, investing in infrastructure enhancement, establishment of centralized information sharing platform, providing specialized training for aviation professionals involved in disaster response by disaster response stakeholders. Furthermore, the study has also highlighted and emphasized the importance of adopting latest technology and innovation in aviation sector to enhance the capabilities of aviation in disaster management. This includes the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) for aerial surveillance/ reconnaissance and delivery of relief supplies to disaster stricken areas. Conclusions: The Role of aviation in disaster management in Pakistan is of paramount importance, keeping in view its mobility and accessibility especially in areas where road links are destroyed due to disaster strike, timely rescue of injured through air ambulance and ensuring dropping of logistic support. There is a dire need of the time for use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for a cost effecting and more versatile aviation support in disaster management.