With roads and bridges destroyed and helicopters busy with search and rescue operations after last month’s devastating floods, Nepal’s army is turning to drones to deliver relief to displaced people.

At least 1,367 people are confirmed dead and more than 5,000 are missing in Nepal since a Himalayan glacier broke off near the Nepal-China border in late August and caused devastation along rivers further downstream.

“Most of our helicopters are busy with rescue operations. There is no other way to send food... except for drones, which are the best option to utilise,” said Santosh Budhathoki, a contract drone pilot for the Nepal army.