On October 10, 2023, Hummingbird Inc., known for its drone school located in Tokyo, entered into a crucial partnership with Nerima Ward, Tokyo, by signing a formal agreement regarding information provision during emergencies. This agreement, specifically focused on disaster response, allows skilled pilots from Hummingbird to conduct vital assessments in areas that may be hazardous for humans to enter. By leveraging drone technology, they will gather essential visual information about the disaster and supply it directly to the Nerima administrative body, enhancing the overall effectiveness of emergency response efforts.
This signing marks the eighth disaster response agreement that Hummingbird has established within various wards across Tokyo, including notable areas such as Sumida, Minato, Edogawa, Adachi, Katsushika, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, along with partnerships outside Tokyo, including Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture and Ichikawa in Chiba Prefecture.
Overview of Nerima Ward
Nerima Ward is regarded as one of the more resilient areas in the Tokyo 23 wards when it comes to disaster preparedness. According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's seismic hazard assessment, many regions within Nerima have been classified as low-risk zones, specifically falls under ranks 1 and 2. This classification is largely due to the area’s stable geology found within the Musashino plateau, which not only boasts a strong ground structure but also features relatively lower residential density compared to other urban locales.
However, there are still concerns regarding fire hazards, especially in the event of a direct earthquake originating from the eastern Tama region that could potentially lead to the destruction of over 11,000 buildings. Moreover, some neighborhoods contain blocks whose structural integrity may be compromised during seismic activities, presenting additional risks.
In times of disaster, having the ability to quickly obtain aerial assessments of the extent of damage is paramount for effective emergency management and resource allocation.
Looking Forward
While the primary focus of this agreement is disaster response, both parties have expressed interest in broadening their collaboration in peacetime as well. They are considering joint participation in firefighting training and other public safety awareness initiatives, fostering a more robust approach to community resilience.
About Hummingbird Inc.
Founded with the ambition to harness cutting-edge technology for the advancement of the drone industry, Hummingbird Inc. has established itself as a leader in drone education and operational services. The company opened Japan's first commercial drone school within a shopping complex in November 2018 and has since expanded to include facilities in Shinjuku and Yokohama, producing more than 6,000 graduates nationwide.
Hummingbird is officially registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a training institution and offers courses that lead to nationally recognized qualifications for drone pilots. Their team comprises highly trained instructors, specializing not just in educational initiatives but also in aerial photography, structural inspections, and disaster support services.
With a growing network of training facilities across several key locations, including Odaiba, Shinjuku, and Yokohama, Hummingbird remains committed to nurturing talent and promoting innovations in applying drone technology for various applications beyond just educational realms, such as disaster management and public safety initiatives.
In conclusion, the formulation of the disaster information agreement between Hummingbird Inc. and Nerima Ward represents a pivotal step in integrating drone technology into emergency response frameworks, thus enhancing the capabilities of local authorities to manage and mitigate disaster impacts more effectively.