The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) have mobilized a dedicated mountain rescue team to support emergency operations in areas affected by the recent floods. The specialized team is heading directly to the disaster-affected locations to assist with search operations, technical access, rescue and evacuation, bringing mountain expertise to an emergency where difficult terrain and damaged infrastructure could complicate conventional rescue efforts.
Seven Mountain Professionals Join Emergency Mission
The rescue team consists of seven experienced and aspiring mountain guides with expertise in mountaineering and technical rescue operations.
The team members are:
- Bikram Karki — IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Sajjan Ghale — IFMGA Mountain Guide
- Pemba Wongchu Sherpa — IFMGA Mountain Guide and Long-Line Rescuer
- Sabin Thakuri — NNMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide
- Jenjen Lama — NNMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide
- Gesman Tamang — NNMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide
- Abiral Rai — IFMGA Mountain Guide
The inclusion of an IFMGA-qualified long-line rescuer adds specialized capability to the team for operations requiring technical access and difficult evacuation methods.
Mountain Expertise to Support Flood Response
The deployment highlights the role that Nepal’s professional mountain guides can play beyond climbing and trekking, particularly during emergencies in the country’s rugged mountainous regions. The team is expected to work alongside ongoing rescue and relief operations, using its technical skills to reach difficult locations, assist people in distress and support evacuation where conventional access may be limited.
NNMGA and NMA have expressed solidarity with communities affected by the floods, with the rescue deployment reflecting their commitment to contributing their professional expertise during the emergency. The team is travelling to the affected areas with the objective of standing alongside flood-affected communities and supporting urgent life-saving operations.
