The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread destruction caused by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood and landslides that affected Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and surrounding districts on Bhadra 10, 2083.
The association extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured or physically affected by the disaster.
Search and Rescue Made the First Priority
According to NNMGA, the association began discussions with its members from the first day of the disaster regarding immediate relief and assistance that could be provided from its side.
As information about the situation in the affected areas began emerging, the association learned that a large number of local residents were missing or stranded in difficult and inaccessible terrain. Based on the seriousness of the situation, NNMGA identified search and rescue as its foremost priority and immediately prepared a team of mountain guides with the necessary skills and experience.
From the fourth day after the disaster, highly skilled human resources holding Mountain Guide qualifications recognized through the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) were mobilized to the severely affected areas as search and rescue personnel in coordination with government agencies and various organizations.
Around 12 Members Deployed Daily
NNMGA stated that since Bhadra 11, around 12 members of the association have been actively involved in search and rescue operations every day in the affected areas.
The members have continued their operations to date, working in challenging terrain and coordinating closely with Nepal’s security personnel and other agencies involved in the rescue effort.
The association said its President, Treasurer and Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association General Secretary Pasang Tendi Sherpa played a particularly active role in coordinating the rescue activities.
Their efforts have focused especially on locating and rescuing employees and workers who became stranded inside various hydropower project tunnels in the affected region.
Mountain Guides Work Alongside Security Personnel
NNMGA members, together with members of the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association, have been working around the clock in the affected areas.
Among those involved in the search and rescue operations are Pemba Odchu Sherpa, Chhiring Sherpa, Bikram Karki, Dorji Sherpa, Ashish Gurung, Sajjan Ghale, Chhiring Sherpa, Dawa Jangbu Sherpa, Niraj Karki, Sabin Thakuri, Jenjen Lama, Gaisman Tamang and Laxmi Tamang, along with other members.
The mountain guides have been working in coordination with teams of Nepal’s security forces to search for missing local residents as well as workers employed at hydropower projects.
NNMGA said the search and rescue operation remains ongoing.
Technical Equipment Provided Free of Cost
The association also highlighted the support provided by the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association, which supplied the technical equipment required for search and rescue operations free of charge.
The specialized skills of mountain guides and the availability of technical rescue equipment have been particularly important in areas involving difficult terrain and hydropower tunnels.
Extensive Damage to Infrastructure
The association also expressed concern over the extensive destruction of physical infrastructure caused by the floods and landslides.
Roads, schools, government offices and other public infrastructure in the affected areas have suffered significant damage. According to the preliminary assessment of the Government of Nepal cited by the association, physical infrastructure worth more than Rs. 200 billion has been destroyed.
NNMGA said that while its members and members of the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association have been concentrating their efforts on search and rescue, the scale of the disaster has highlighted the need for continued coordinated support and relief.
NNMGA and Instructors Association Donate Rs. 501,000
As part of their relief contribution, members of both associations have also made a joint financial donation to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
According to NNMGA, 47 members from the two associations contributed funds on an equal basis, with additional funds added to the collected amount. A total of Rs. 501,000 was subsequently deposited into the fund operated by the Government of Nepal.
The association said the contribution was made while its members continued to remain actively engaged in search and rescue operations in the affected areas.
Association Ready for Future Disaster Response
NNMGA said that, as a responsible social organization, it remains ready to support search and rescue operations during natural disasters anywhere in Nepal.
The association expressed gratitude to the Government of Nepal and various hydropower companies for trusting and mobilizing its members for search and rescue operations during the current crisis.
It said the experience has once again demonstrated the importance of specialized rescue skills, inter-agency coordination and the rapid mobilization of trained human resources during major disasters.
‘Unity Is Our Strength’
Concluding its statement, NNMGA called for solidarity among Nepalis during the difficult period.
The association said the pain of one Nepali should be felt by another and urged citizens to stand together to support affected families and communities. It emphasized that Nepalese society can face future challenges more effectively when people remain united.
NNMGA also paid tribute to all individuals, organizations, security personnel, volunteers and other groups actively involved in search, rescue and relief distribution, expressing appreciation for their efforts during the ongoing disaster response.
The association reiterated that its members, together with members of the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association, remain ready to contribute their specialized skills whenever their support is required in disaster search and rescue operations across Nepal.
