Trained Rescue Dogs Deployed in Flood-Hit Areas of Nepal
Summary
Trained rescue dogs are being used in flood- and landslide-hit areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Chitwan to help locate missing people and bodies buried under mud and debris. Police and the Nepali Army say the dogs can detect human scent in difficult terrain, but their effectiveness is limited in waterlogged and muddy areas.
Key Points
- Trained search-and-rescue dogs have been deployed by Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and the Nepali Army in flood-hit areas of Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Chitwan.
- Police say dogs helped recover three bodies in Timure, Rasuwa, but have been less effective in muddy tunnel areas in Mailung, Nuwakot.
- Rescue teams are using dogs to locate possible scent sources before confirming with cameras, life-finding equipment, drills and excavation.
- Officials say dogs work best in dry or accessible debris, while water, mud, wind and tunnels make detection much harder.
