Drones application scenarios in a nuclear or radiological emergency

Abstract

Abstract During a nuclear or radiological emergency, timely implementation of precautionary urgent protective actions, urgent protective actions, early protective actions, and other response actions is inevitable for the protection of the public and the emergency workers. unmanned aerial vehicles commonly known as drones have numerous applications including their use in disaster management for support in early warning, provision of medical aid, monitoring, situational awareness, taking various protective and response actions, and post-accident assessment. In the current study, in comparison to drone applications in response to other disasters, their potential use in response to a nuclear or radiological emergency has been discussed. The drones use in mapping radiation and contamination levels in Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents have already proved their applications in a nuclear or radiological emergency. It is concluded that drones inherently complement the existing disaster management arrangements and have the potential for their use in strengthening arrangements for taking protective and response actions in case of a nuclear or radiological emergency.