KATHMANDU: A joint Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA) and Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) mountain rescue team has been deployed to flood-affected areas to assist with search, technical access, rescue and evacuation operations.

The seven-member team comprises IFMGA mountain guides Bikram Karki, Sajjan Ghale, Pemba Wongchu Sherpa and Abiral Rai, along with NNMGA aspirant mountain guides Sabin Thakuri, Jenjen Lama and Gesman Tamang.

Wongchu Sherpa is also trained as a long-line rescuer, a specialist capability used in difficult terrain and helicopter-assisted rescue operations.

NNMGA President Tul Singh Gurung said the team was mobilised to support communities affected by the flooding and contribute its technical mountain-rescue expertise to the ongoing response.

The association said its members were heading directly to the affected areas and would assist authorities and local communities wherever their specialised skills were required.

The deployment comes as search and rescue efforts continue in areas affected by the recent flooding, which has caused casualties and damage to settlements and infrastructure.

NNMGA said the team was united in action with flood-affected communities and urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert and safe.