Nepal flood rescue operation mobilizes military and civilian aircraft

Military and civilian aircraft have been mobilized across northern Nepal as rescuers attempt to reach communities isolated by catastrophic flash floods and landslides near the country’s border with Tibet.

The Nepali Army has deployed helicopters and around 2,000 personnel for aerial and ground search and rescue (SAR) operations, with private helicopter operators also supporting evacuations from the worst-affected areas.

At least 177 people had been confirmed dead by Nepali police on Thursday, while more than 800 remained missing, according to the latest figures reported by the BBC. Roads, bridges, power infrastructure, and communications have been severely damaged, increasing reliance on helicopters to reach affected communities.

A Mil Mi-17 is among the Nepali Army aircraft confirmed in the response, with the helicopter used to deploy an emergency medical team from Birendra Hospital to Trishuli. Medical personnel are providing emergency treatment to casualties at the No. 1 Military Training Centre, while a BHISHM Cube field hospital and additional medical equipment have also been prepared for deployment.

The Army said yesterday (Wednesday 26 August) that its aircraft had rescued 97 people from flood-affected areas. A combined fleet of 15 helicopters – seven operated by the Nepali Army and eight from the private sector – was involved in operations at that stage of the response.

Civilian operators supporting the airlift include Kailash Helicopter Services, Simrik Air, and Annapurna Helicopters, providing additional rotary-wing capacity for evacuations from Rasuwa.

The operators have fleets well suited to Nepal’s demanding mountainous operating environment. Kailash operates three Airbus H125s, while Simrik Air operates three H125s and at least one Bell 505. Annapurna’s fleet includes two H125s and an AS350 B2.

Night-vision helicopters have also been used to support search and relief operations, according to the BBC, with teams operating from bases in Dhunche and Nuwakot. Severe infrastructure damage has left some affected areas without electricity, road access or internet connectivity.

India has meanwhile begun providing additional aviation support. An Indian Air Force Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules departed Hindon Air Base carrying approximately 10 tonnes of humanitarian supplies and medicines for Nepal.

Further C-130J and Boeing C-17 Globemaster III airlift missions have been prepared to transport relief supplies and equipment, while Indian military helicopters have also been earmarked for possible rescue and evacuation operations.

The disaster followed a glacial collapse and debris flow near the Nepal-Tibet border, according to the US Geological Survey, sending destructive floodwaters downstream through mountainous communities.

With surface routes extensively damaged and hundreds of people still unaccounted for, rotary-wing aircraft are likely to remain critical to SAR, casualty evacuation, and the movement of medical personnel and supplies as the emergency response continues.

Image courtesy of the Nepali Army.