Kathmandu, August 27
The government has asked private helicopters involved in search and rescue operations in areas affected by the Rasuwa flood to operate only under government coordination.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said uncoordinated helicopter operations could increase air traffic in the affected areas and raise the risk of accidents.
The authority has written to the district administration offices of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Dhading and Chitwan, directing them to ensure that helicopter-based search and rescue operations are conducted in an organised manner following decisions by the respective district security committees.
If a Nepali Army helicopter is required, the security committee has been asked to coordinate with the Army team in the respective district.
For private helicopters, authorities have been instructed to contact designated focal persons appointed by the NDRRMA to arrange rescue operations immediately when required.
The authority has designated Sachit Aryal of Heli Everest, Mingma Sherpa of Altitude Air and Balkrishna Pandit of Air Dynasty as contact persons for coordinating private helicopter operations.
The decision was taken to minimise the risk of helicopter accidents and other technical problems that could arise from uncoordinated flights in the flood-affected areas.
