A Halifax-based drone company is heading to Antigua and Barbuda on Thursday to provide damage survey support following Hurricane Irma.
AeroVision Canada was recruited by humanitarian aid organization, GlobalMedic. A two-man team will be travelling to the island nation on a volunteer basis to offer their time, expertise and high-tech drone equipment.
READ MORE: Hurricane Irma: Canada sends disaster assessment team to Caribbean islands
“The government doesn’t really know right now how extensive the damage is, so we’re going to be the eye in the sky for them,” said Jean Racine, AeroVision Canada chief operating officer.
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“They’re going to tell us exactly where they want us to focus our attention initially based on intel they currently have and then we’ll be able to provide them with better data after the fact.”
WATCH: Aerial footage shows sheer scale of devastation on the island of Barbuda
This will mark the second time AeroVision Canada has partnered with GlobalMedic on a humanitarian mission.
READ MORE: Hurricane Irma: Toronto-based aid organization sends volunteers to storm-stricken St. Maarten
“There’s nothing better than helping other people, and as Canadians we know that,” said drone pilot Travis Harvey.
“It’ll be a different experience to see what it’s really like down there and just help in any way we can.”
The trip is expected to last 10 days, but it could be longer depending on the extent of the damage.
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