Civilian Drones as an Exogenous Player on the Search and Rescue Teams Process. Case Study Analysis of the Rio Grande do Sul State Flood using FRAM

Following the 2024 floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, civilian drone interference significantly hampered a critical search and rescue (SAR) operation despite a flight restriction zone established by the Department of Water Control Air Space (DECEA) and the Regional Body of the Southern region (CINDACTA II), ultimately requiring a complete flight ban. This study employs the Functional Resonance Analysis Method (FRAM) to model the regional SAR activation process and analyze the far-reaching consequences of this external disruption beyond the activities of advanced emergency teams on the ground. The analysis reveals impacts on planning, logistics, ground teams, and the entire chain of command. This research contributes to the development of disaster risk management and accident analysis, focusing on the need for firm control of civilian drone activity in emergencies. The research provides relevant lessons for high-performance organizations like the Brazilian Air Force (FAB), Navy, Army, Civil Defense, and Fire Department, integral to national disaster responses.

Keywords: Search and rescue operations, FRAM, Functional resonance analysis method, Resilience engineering, Disasters, Complex sociotechnical system.