KATHMANDU: Nepal’s mountaineering community has mobilised specialised rescue personnel and equipment for the ongoing search and rescue operation following the devastating floods in Rasuwa.

The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) said it has deployed multiple teams to support the operation in coordination with the Nepal Army and other government agencies.

The mobilisation includes two helicopter longline teams, a ground support team in the Betrawati/Trishuli area and an additional team deployed from Kathmandu. NMA said its personnel are already actively involved in the field operation.

Two rescue personnel, Bikram Karki and Geshman Tamang, are already at the site, while teams based in Kathmandu and Betrawati/Trishuli have been deployed for helicopter and ground operations.

The mobilisation follows an earlier initiative by the Nepal National Mountain Guides Association (NNMGA), in association with the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association (NMIA), which sent three rescue teams to Rasuwa.

The NNMGA/NMIA teams included Pemba Wangchu Sherpa, Jenjen Lama, Dorji Sherpa, Sabin Thakuri, Asish Gurung, Dawa Singhi Hyolmo, Sandesh Sherpa, Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Chhiring Sherpa, Man Raj Gurung, Chiring Sherpa, Sajan Gale, Lukme Tamang and Kusang Sherpa.

Teams A and B were sent to the airport to prepare for helicopter deployment, while Team C travelled by jeep towards the rescue location.

The mountaineering associations have also contributed specialised equipment for the operation. Drill machines, a radio set and a satellite phone have been arranged or provided for the rescue teams, while NMIA said it had sent necessary rescue equipment, group gear and group insurance.

NMA said its teams would continue contributing their technical expertise, experienced personnel and resources to the coordinated emergency response.

The associations have expressed solidarity with the affected communities and families and said they remain ready to support efforts to locate, rescue and assist those affected by the disaster.