Using Aerial Imagery, Cameroon Flying Labs Helps Local Authorities Assess Flood Risk

In June, Cameroon Flying Labs conducted a drone flight and safety training with 5 participants from the Flying Labs. Loic Dessap, Cameroon Flying Labs Coordinator, shared what he learned from a training organized by Senegal Flying Labs, WeRobotics, and IPAR the previous month, where Loic learned about how mission planning and team work. And Loic had the opportunity to interact with other Flying Labs team members.

The main partners of this training in Cameroon were House Innovation and TME Education for Africa. During these sessions, a number of humanitarian projects were devised and considered, including one which was selected for execution during the practical phase of this workshop: the mapping of swampy areas affected by flood during the rainy season.

Humanitarian use of UAVs are relatively new, yet in a short period of time, the proliferation of the technology has escalated quickly. Aerial imagery has shifted from just profit-making, cinematic enjoyment to useful, decision-making tool for policymakers and development organizations. Thus, we demonstrated the latter use for aerial mapping as part of our practical training session in a swampy area of a small locality called Bepanda in Douala, Cameroon. During the rainy season, these lands are prone to flooding, risking both life and property for families in the water’s path. Our primary objective was to gather aerial imagery using a DJI Phantom 3 4K to define the risk area and provide the images to the local authority for further assessment. Once analyzed, the authorities would be able to take appropriate measures—particularly with respect to an ongoing government project to rehabilitate the locality’s irrigation system and its relationship to the flooding.

The drone imagery was received warmly by the local authorities, who expressed their willingness to continue working with the Flying Labs on this and other projects. The chief also proposed taking us to the section of the irrigation site, which is already being implemented and progressing towards their locality.

We will plan another activity with them soon to assist any way we can in the rehabilitation of this irrigation system. Stay tuned to the WeRobotics blog for updates.