Texas Flood Rescue Turned Nightmare: Personal Drones Slammed for Delaying Search for Survivors

The devastating floods in Texas brought out the best in many, but for some, the chaos turned into a personal nightmare.

As communities reeled and the desperate search for survivors began, an unexpected obstacle emerged: private drones.

Intended to assist, these well-meaning but uncoordinated devices are now facing intense criticism for potentially hindering crucial rescue efforts and delaying the desperate search for those still missing.

A Growing Obstacle to Rescue

Search and rescue efforts are ongoing in central Texas, as devastating floods have now claimed at least 82 lives with many remaining unaccounted for.

At a press conference on Sunday, following the regular updates, officials issued a plea that has become increasingly common in the wake of recent natural disasters: keep personal drones out of the affected zone.

'We know that people want to volunteer, but what we are starting to see is personal drones flying,' Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice told reporters. 'These personal drones flying is a danger to aircraft, which then risks further operations.'

The Kerrville Police Department supported Rice's comments on Sunday. 'Media-operated drones are interfering with official search and rescue drones. There is a no-fly zone in Kerr County for private drones,' the department said on its Facebook page. 'We need cooperation in this matter. Let our first responders do their job.'

During a press conference hosted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday, Maj Gen Thomas M Suelzer of the Texas National Guard announced the department had deployed an MQ-9 Reaper, a remotely piloted aircraft, for assessment operations. Suelzer stated, 'It's truly an eye in the sky for our search and rescue people.'

While drones are now common in military and law enforcement operations, they're also popular with civilians, mainly for photography and video. Some also use them to assist in disaster searches. However, during several recent incidents, officials report that these civilian drone operators have actually gotten in the way of rescue efforts.

The Dixie Fire

In 2021, the Dixie Fire swept through northern California. Flames tore through communities, forcing residents from their homes and scorching almost a million acres. That July, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection reported that an unauthorised drone had interfered with emergency operations.

'Yesterday, aircraft assigned to the #DixieFire were forced to land due to an unauthorised drone flying over the fire traffic area,' the agency noted in a Facebook post'Drones restrict firefighters' ability to protect lives, property, and natural resources. Remember, if you fly, we can't!'

Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene struck the southeast United States in late 2024. After hitting Florida, it moved up the coast through Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Intense rainfall, powerful winds, and widespread flooding destroyed homes and submerged vehicles.

The US Department of Transportation posted on X, urging consumer drone operators to stay away amid the ongoing search and rescue efforts. At that time, the Federal Aviation Administration had implemented a temporary flight restriction in specific areas.

'Do not fly your drone near or around rescue and recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene. Interfering with emergency response operations impacts search and rescue operations on the ground.' the agency said.

At the time, some online users believed volunteer drone operators were being prohibited from assisting in relief efforts, which led to a significant negative reaction. The DOT later clarified that the FAA had not actually banned consumer drones from offering aid and support.

Los Angeles Wildfires

In January, a series of wildfires broke out across the Los Angeles region, causing extensive damage and forcing hundreds of thousands from their homes.

While firefighters battled the blazes on the ground, officials also deployed two Super Scoopers, amphibious aircraft designed to gather and release water over wildfires. Yet, an unapproved civilian drone collided with one of these Super Scoopers, putting it out of commission.

During that period, a spokesperson for the LA Fire Department issued a stark warning: 'We would like to remind everyone that flying a drone in the midst of firefighting efforts is a federal crime and punishable by up to 12 months in prison or a fine of up to $75,000 (£55220.25).'

The Unintended Consequences of Unauthorised Flights

The Department of Justice reported that the drone operator agreed to plead guilty to one charge of unsafe operation of an uncrewed aircraft. As part of the plea agreement, the drone operator committed to paying full restitution to the Government of Quebec, which provided the aircraft, and completing 150 hours of community service.