This Innovative Water Drone Is Helping Emergency Teams Reach Flood Victims Faster Than Ever

With heavy rains lashing parts of Bengaluru, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, floods have once again thrown life into chaos. Streets have turned into rivers, homes are flooded, and thousands of people are in urgent need of help. In situations like these, every second counts — and that’s exactly where the Indian Rescue Academy’s newest innovation steps in to make a difference.

The ITUS Water Drone is a cutting-edge rescue tool designed to support life-saving efforts during floods and other marine emergencies. You can count on this state-of-the-art drone and all for the right reasons — speed, strength, and reliability. 

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Smart, fast & built for rough waters — this drone saves lives

One of the impressive things about this water drone is its ability to flip itself upright if it ever turns over. That’s a huge plus when dealing with turbulent waters. It is powered by a jet pump (think of it like a water engine), which makes it super fast and easy to control — it can reach speeds of up to 20 knots, helping rescuers reach stranded people quickly.

The drone can operate in sea state three conditions. This is a marine classification that refers to moderate wave conditions, where waves can range between 0.5 to 1.25 meters (roughly 1.6 to 4.1 feet) in height. These conditions often include frequent whitecaps and choppy waters, which can be dangerous for small watercraft. The ITUS drone is engineered to remain stable and functional in such environments, making it effective during real-world flood rescues and coastal emergencies.

With a payload capacity of 100 kilograms, it is capable of delivering emergency supplies or helping evacuate individuals trapped by floodwaters.

Smart tech, big impact — for the planet and people

The ITUS is part of the broader “Drone for Good” initiative, which uses drone technology for humanitarian aid, environmental monitoring, and community empowerment. From assessing damage and delivering aid to tracking deforestation and training local operators, the project is a solid example of technology stepping up for the right causes, not just to respond to emergencies, but to build a safer, more resilient future for all.

Edited by Saumya Singh