Disaster Authority Urges Stranded Flood Victims to Signal Rescue Teams Using Smoke

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) has urged people stranded in flood-affected areas and awaiting rescue to use smoke from fires as a signal to draw the attention of search and rescue teams. The authority said search and rescue operations have been intensified after flooding in the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa affected several districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading and Chitwan. The NDRRMA has also made a special request to organizations operating helicopters and drones to support search and rescue efforts in the affected areas. It has urged the Helicopter Association of Nepal, Drone Association Nepal and other organizations associated with helicopter and drone operations to coordinate with the respective District Administration Offices, security agencies and local governments before assisting. The authority said aerial resources could play an important role in locating people stranded in remote and difficult-to-access areas. The NDRRMA has appealed to residents in flood-affected areas to move to safer locations, remain alert to potential risks and coordinate with rescue teams. Shanti Mahat, Under Secretary and spokesperson for the NDRRMA, confirmed that search and rescue operations are continuing in the flood-affected districts. The authority has urged people awaiting rescue to remain visible and use safe signaling methods, including smoke, to help rescue teams identify their locations.