Nepali rescue workers tested drone delivery of aid supplies on Saturday in Devighat, near the central town of Bidur, following devastating floods and landslides that killed over 2,500 people and affected about 10,000 households, according to the United Nations. The disaster snapped bridges and roads, severing transport and communication across the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli Rivers.

About a dozen private drone operators, army volunteers, and police officers gathered to test a large drone roughly the size of a dining table with extended propellers, capable of carrying up to 220 pounds. They cautiously loaded 130 pounds of rice, instant noodles, clothing, and sanitary pads for the first flight. Light rain complicated the attachment process using ropes and carabiners.

The drone flew low across the Trishuli River, hovering on the other side while testers offloaded goods. Each round trip took about three minutes. After several successful trials, the team plans to present findings to authorities to assess whether drone delivery could accelerate humanitarian relief. Other drones are already delivering emergency rations to remote areas.

The flood destroyed more than 35 bridges and damaged around 25 miles of roads, including critical highways. Nepal's foreign minister, Swarnim Wagle, told Reuters that over $4 billion may be needed to rebuild infrastructure. Nepal has requested portable bridges from other countries to restore connectivity.