Kathmandu, July 22: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the government has reached the situation to use ultramodern technology for disaster response, search, rescue and relief.
At a ceremony to sign memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) and Nepal Drone Association held at the Ministry of Home today, he shared that the country has come to a situation to use drone for search, rescue and relief (drugs and water) in course of the disaster response. He further informed that works are being carried out to keep the early warning system effective and efficient.
“We have reached an understanding that the organizations and individuals working in the private sector should also join their hands in response. It will yield a positive result”, the minister added.
According to the MoU, the tasks such as search and rescue, relief distribution and transportation of other goods, observation of disaster-hit areas, physical mapping, loss and damage assessment and information collection and analysis will be undertaken in collaboration between the NDRRMA and the Association.
Likewise, the MoU mentioned that the Drone Association will freely provide equipment with drone operator as per the need and demand of the NDRRMA.
NFRRMA is obliged to make arrangement of transport and accommodation for the members deployed for the task. The Authority will carry out necessary coordination and facilitation to mobilize drone and its operator with a license on drone flight.
A coordination committee has been formed for necessary guidance, coordination and facilitation in regard to drone operation. The NDRRMA’s Response Section Chief will serve as the coordinator of the mechanism.
The MoU will remain effective for a year and is subject to renewal based on mutual understanding, it is stated in the document.
Earlier, the Ministry had signed a MoU with Helicopter Society of Nepal for free use of their helicopters for post-disaster rescue operations.