Nepal signs rescue pact with airlines, drone and rafting groups for disaster response
Private sector to provide helicopters, drones and rafts for emergency rescue operations as monsoon rains heighten flood and landslide risks
PC: NDRRMA
Nepal's disaster management authority on Tuesday signed agreements with airlines, drone operators and rafting agencies to bolster search and rescue operations, after torrential monsoon rains triggered flooding and landslides across the country that have already left at least two people dead.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) signed separate memorandums of understanding with the Airlines Operators Association of Nepal, the Drone Association Nepal and the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA).
Under the agreements, the organisations will provide helicopters, drones and rafting equipment to support search and rescue missions for people affected by floods, landslides and other disasters.
The airlines' association agreed to provide helicopter services free of charge for emergency operations within the Kathmandu Valley, while flights outside the valley will be made available at minimum operating cost.
The drone association will deploy drones, related equipment and licensed pilots free of charge whenever requested by the authority during disasters. The authority will cover the travel and accommodation costs of personnel involved in the operations.
Under its agreement with the rafting agencies, NARA will provide rafts, rescue equipment and trained personnel free of charge for emergency operations in flood-affected areas upon request. The resources will be used for search and rescue, evacuating stranded people, and transporting relief supplies, medicines and rescue teams.
The agreements will remain valid for one year and can be renewed by mutual consent.
NDRRMA Executive Chief Pradip Kumar Koirala said effective disaster response required close coordination between the government, the private sector and local communities.
Representatives of the three organisations pledged to support efforts to protect lives and property during disasters.
Officials from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, the Department of Roads, the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force attended the signing ceremony.
Nepal is highly vulnerable to monsoon-related disasters, with seasonal downpours frequently triggering floods and landslides that kill hundreds of people and damage roads, bridges and other infrastructure each year.
