To Save Lives We First Have to Know Where the Danger Lies

By Cameroon Flying Labs

In disaster management, preparedness is everything. Yet, our current methods of preventing and preparing for disasters such as floods and landslides in high-risk areas – if any – often prove time-consuming and inefficient. We fail to gain sufficient insight into what triggers a disaster, how it propagates, whom it will affect, and its impact on the environment until it’s too late. But what if we could gain this critical information beforehand, enabling us to not only bolster ourselves against possible disasters but also devise better resettlement plans? 

Driven by this urgent need, Cameroon Flying Labs embarked on a mission. Supported by the Turning Data into Action microgrant from WeRobotics, we conducted a drone-based aerial mapping in Mbankomo municipality, an area located in the Centre region of Cameroon and distinguished by its mountainous terrain and alarming frequency of flooding and landslides.

A view of Mbankomo

At Mbankomo City Hall with the Mayor

To carry out the mission, we selected the DJI Mavic 3 Enterprise RTK drone for its exceptional quality and tasked it with capturing data across 39.09 hectares. We then processed the data using PIX4Dmapper to produce an orthomosaic map and ArcGis Pro to produce a 3D map pinpointing high and medium-risk zones vulnerable to mudslides during heavy rainfall.

Upon completing our mission, we gleaned invaluable insights from the mapped area. Over 50 households stand directly in harm's way should a landslide occur – the possibility of which increases as heavy rainfall continues to soften the ground. Moreover, evidence of mudslides is visible on certain slopes. The looming threat is palpable.

The 2D map showing high and medium-risk areas

This information equips us to plan ahead. Over 100 people in Cameroon have lost their lives due to landslides over the past four years. Using technology such as drones to collect data, we can prevent further loss. The maps created from this project offer a full picture of the risks facing the communities in Mbankomo, allowing them now to better prepare for floods and landslides and alleviate their impact. With data, we can take action to save lives and make our communities more resilient.

Cameroon Flying Labs has documented this project more extensively in an ArcGIS story map. We invite you to explore it and dive into the details of our engagement with stakeholders, the challenges we faced, and the difference this project has made. 

We express our deep gratitude to WeRobotics for their strong support and to the local leaders of Mbankomo for affording us the opportunity to showcase the importance of drone-based survey in landslide prevention and preparedness.