Flood shakes APF: Rescue teams ready, but no helicopter
Summary
The Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa has exposed major gaps in the Armed Police Force’s disaster response, with rescue teams unable to reach stranded personnel and victims because the force has no dedicated helicopter. APF officials say the devastation has also raised fresh concerns about the safety of border posts in the high Himalayas.
Key Points
- A flood in the Bhotekoshi River cut off Timure, Syabrubesi and other areas in Rasuwa, leaving APF personnel and residents stranded.
- DSP Pradip Rai said the APF had trained rescue teams ready, but they could not be fully deployed because there was no helicopter and the road network had been destroyed.
- The APF only received a helicopter four days after the flood, and it was assigned for relief distribution rather than rescue.
- Former APF Inspector General Pushpa Ram KC said a helicopter alone would not solve the problem without proper facilities, personnel and coordination with the Nepal Army.
