#Japan #Tokyo #Hummingbird #Sumida Ward #Drone Agreement

Hummingbird and Sumida Ward Partner for Disaster Relief

In a significant move towards enhancing disaster response capabilities, Hummingbird Co., Ltd., which operates the Tokyo Drone School, has established a collaborative agreement with Sumida Ward, Tokyo. This partnership, signed by Hummingbird's CEO, Nobuhiko Suzuki, and the head of Sumida Ward, Takashi Yamamoto, aims to utilize unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide essential support during emergency situations.

The Agreement's Key Highlights

With the signing of this agreement, pilots from Hummingbird will be authorized to conduct damage assessments in high-risk areas where human access may be hazardous. This initiative is particularly crucial for areas affected by natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, which are common challenges in the Tokyo region.

As the seventh agreement Hummingbird has signed with Tokyo wards, this arrangement symbolizes the growing acknowledgment of drone technology in disaster management. Other wards involved in similar agreements include Minato Ward, Edogawa Ward, Adachi Ward, Katsushika Ward, Shibuya Ward, and Shinjuku Ward, alongside Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture and Ichikawa City in Chiba Prefecture.

Specific Support Activities

Hummingbird has committed to various support activities as dictated by Sumida Ward:

1. Damage Assessment with UAVs: Utilizing drones for comprehensive analysis of disaster-stricken areas.
2. Information Provision: Delivering data collected through drone imagery to assess the situation accurately.
3. Mapping Support: Creating disaster impact maps based on the information gathered.
4. Search and Rescue Operations: Conducting missions for locating and assisting victims.
5. Joint Training Exercises: Implementing collaborative drills that integrate drone use in disaster preparedness training.
6. Technical Support and Consulting: Offering guidance on effectively using drones in various capacities.
7. Other Agreed Activities: Any additional actions as deemed necessary through mutual agreement between the parties.

The Landscape of Sumida Ward

Geographically, Sumida Ward is situated in the eastern part of Tokyo and bordered by the Sumida and Arakawa rivers. This area is classified as a low-lying alluvial plain, characterized by soft ground that is susceptible to seismic activities. The maximum elevation in the region is only 4 meters, with some areas below sea level, making it particularly vulnerable to flooding and high water levels.

In recent years, climate change has exacerbated the impact of typhoons and sudden heavy rainfall, increasing the risk of wind and water disasters. The ward continues to promote seismic reinforcement and fire resistance measures to mitigate these risks.

Agreement Ceremony Details

The agreement ceremony provided an opportunity to showcase the multifaceted functions of drones, including their camera capabilities and operational advantages. Hummingbird explained instances of drone utilization in past emergencies, demonstrating the technology’s potential to revolutionize disaster response.

Moving forward, the partnership is envisioned to extend beyond emergency situations. Hummingbird and Sumida Ward plan to explore initiatives like live streaming during water control training exercises, hands-on experiences with toy drones, and educational seminars focused on disaster preparedness through drone technology.

About Hummingbird Co., Ltd.

Hummingbird was founded with a mission to leverage cutting-edge technologies and services for businesses and individuals alike, shaping the endless possibilities of the drone industry while fostering skilled professionals.

Since the establishment of its flagship Tokyo Drone School in Odaiba in November 2018, Hummingbird has expanded its operations to include schools in Shinjuku and Yokohama, producing over 6,000 graduates across the nation. Recognized as a registered training organization by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, Hummingbird offers accredited courses for various drone operation qualifications.

This latest partnership with Sumida Ward is a promising step towards enhanced public safety and showcases the importance of innovation in disaster management. It marks the beginning of a collaboration that could set a precedent for future integrations of technology in emergency response strategies.