National Disaster Authority Signs MoUs for Rescue Services

Kathmandu. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority and the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, Nepal Drone Association, and Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA) to provide helicopters, drones, and rafting for the rescue of people affected by disasters.

The MoU was signed today between these three organizations and the Authority at a program organized at the Authority. As per the understanding with the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, helicopters will be provided free of charge for flights within the Kathmandu Valley, and for flights outside the valley, services will be provided at minimal operational costs.

Similarly, as per the understanding with the Nepal Drone Association, if drones are needed during disasters, drones and related equipment (including pilots) will be provided to the Authority free of charge. The Authority will arrange for the travel and accommodation of the members deployed for this work.

Likewise, as per the understanding with the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies, if the Authority deems it necessary to use rafts during disasters, NARA will provide rafts and related equipment free of charge. 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.

This understanding will remain in effect for one year and can be renewed by mutual agreement.

On the occasion, Executive Chief of the Authority, Pradip Kumar Koirala, stated that mutual cooperation and coordination between the government, private sector, and community are essential during disasters. He emphasized that disasters can only be overcome through collective effort and expressed gratitude for the services of the private sector.

Similarly, General Secretary of the Airline Operators Association of Nepal, Muralidhar Joshi, President of the Nepal Drone Association, Raj Bikram Maharjan, and Acting President of the Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies, Shiva Adhikari, pledged their commitment to assist in protecting the lives and property of citizens affected by disasters to the best of their abilities.

Representatives from the National Emergency Operation Center, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Department of Roads, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, Nepal were also present on the occasion.