Kathmandu— Following a flash flood in the Bhotekoshi River on Wednesday that caused significant damage, Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued directives to district administration offices in five districts – Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Dhading, and Chitwan – regarding the coordination of helicopter use for search and rescue operations. The NDRRMA stated that uncoordinated private helicopter flights could increase air traffic congestion and elevate the risk of accidents in the affected areas, prompting a call for centralized management of aerial support.

Increased Air Traffic Concerns

The NDRRMA expressed concern over independent helicopter operations occurring alongside official search and rescue efforts. The Authority believes that multiple, uncoordinated flights could create hazardous conditions in the disaster zone. To mitigate these risks, it has instructed district administration offices to ensure all helicopter-based search and rescue activities are conducted under government oversight.

District Security Committee Role

The directives outline a specific role for District Security Committees in managing aerial operations. These committees are now responsible for making decisions regarding the necessity of helicopter support and coordinating those flights in an orderly fashion. The Prime Minister’s Secretariat confirmed that, when Army helicopters are required, coordination should occur directly with Nepali Army teams stationed within the relevant districts.

The NDRRMA's instructions aim to streamline rescue efforts and enhance safety amidst ongoing disaster relief operations following the Bhotekoshi River flood.

(With inputs from RN)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.