Amid the extremely concerning situation in Nepal, security personnel risking their lives to rescue survivors and recover bodies after the devastating Nepal flash floods are facing major challenges.
As per PTI, security personnel are facing shortages of specialised rescue equipment, body bags, ropes and helicopters.
The flash floods, believed to have been triggered by a collapse or avalanche of ice and rock near the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26, swept through the Bhotekoshi River corridor, destroying homes, roads and bridges and damaging hydropower projects.
Death toll crosses 900 mark after flash floods hit Nepal
The death toll from the disaster crossed 900 on Monday, while over 4,000 people remained missing, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), as per PTI.
As per the reports, personnel from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force have been deployed in large numbers in the affected areas, but officials said the lack of state-of-the-art equipment was making operations in dangerous terrain particularly difficult.
Security personnel face shortage of helicopters and necessary equipment
The report quoting some officials highlighted, “Among the equipment in short supply are thermal cameras, devices capable of detecting signs of life through sound, specialised tools for cutting through obstacles, body bags, ropes and advanced helicopters,” as per PTI.
Security personnel have also repeatedly sought helicopters to reach people trapped or stranded in difficult-to-access areas.
A police inspector in Nepal further said that several people had contacted Police Control 100 seeking assistance, but personnel were sometimes unable to reach them because of operational difficulties.
An official added that the Nepal Police, considered the frontline agency in responding to emergencies, has repeatedly sought the purchase of helicopters.
Police personnel deployed in Bidur also reported shortages of equipment used to cut trees and other objects during rescue operations.
“There is also a shortage of bags to store the bodies,” a police officer said, adding, “Even ropes are not enough.”
Anil Pokharel, former chief executive officer of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA), said that the shortage of specialised equipment was a longstanding problem.
Pokharel added, “It would be easier if there were equipment, but even when I was at the authority, there was a shortage in the international market when I tried to purchase those equipment,” as cited by PTI.
He further added, “However, if the goods can be brought even at such a time, it will be easier for tomorrow,” Pokharel said while praising the efforts of security personnel involved in the ongoing operations. Security personnel have been mobilised now, just like during the earthquake.”
According to the NDRRMA, 19,895 security personnel have been mobilised for rescue operations, including 7,293 from the Nepal Police, 8,399 from the Nepal Army and 4,203 from the Armed Police Force.
An Armed Police Force officer said, “Based on the dog’s signals, 5-7 bodies are being found daily.”
He further highlighted that separate teams have been mobilised for mass rescue, medical assistance, management of affected people at holding centres, rope rescue, water rescue, diving, canine searches, drone operations and search and rescue at collapsed structures, as per PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
Rescue teams battle shortage of helicopters and equipment amid rescue operation
