National Disaster Authority to Seek Private Sector Help for Monsoon Disasters

Kathmandu. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority has made preparations to request the private sector to provide helicopters, drones, and rafting services if necessary as part of the preparedness for monsoon-related disasters.

The authority is going to request helicopters, drones, and rafting services from the private sector for the search and rescue of people affected by disasters, in accordance with the prior agreement made with the private sector. As the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in various parts of the country, the risk of floods, landslides, and inundation in 21 districts may increase, and the authority has strengthened its preparedness in coordination with the security agencies.

Pradeep Kumar Koirala, acting executive chief of the authority, informed that four helicopters of the Nepali Army are stationed in Kathmandu, Itahari, Bhairahawa, and Surkhet for immediate rescue in case of potential disasters, and stated that if necessary, the private sector will be requested to provide helicopters, drones, and rafting services.

Last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, Nepal Drone Association, and Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA). As per the understanding with the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, if flights are to be operated within the Kathmandu Valley, they will be provided free of charge, and if flights are to be operated outside the valley, services will be provided at the minimum operating cost.

Similarly, as per the understanding with the Nepal Drone Association, in case of the need for drone usage during disasters, drones and related equipment (including pilots) must be provided to the authority free of charge. The authority will arrange for the travel and accommodation of the members deployed for this task. Likewise, as per the understanding with the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), if the authority requires the use of rafts during disasters, NARA must provide rafts and related equipment (including manpower) free of charge.

The understanding is that rafts and manpower will be used for immediate search and rescue of people affected by floods, inundation, and riverine disasters, as well as for the transportation of relief materials, medicines, and rescue teams. The MoU states that this understanding will remain in effect for one year and can be renewed by mutual agreement.