KATHMANDU: More than 1,500 personnel of the Armed Police Force, Nepal (APF) have been deployed for search and rescue operations and disaster management following floods along the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.

The APF has deployed specialized teams trained in collapsed-structure search and rescue and established disaster response bases in the affected areas to coordinate rescue operations.

The deployed teams include backup power support, doctors and paramedics, mass-casualty vehicles, dead-body management specialists, camp coordination and management specialists, medical first responders, divers and personnel trained in swift-water rescue.

The search and rescue teams have been continuing operations at affected locations, including various structures and hydropower projects, to locate and rescue people who remain out of contact.

The APF has also mobilized K9 search teams and drone units equipped with six drones. According to the APF, the teams have recovered 98 bodies from 12 identified locations, rescued 30 injured people and safely rescued 73 others.

To provide immediate medical care to those injured in the floods, an APF medical team has established a health camp in Nuwakot. The Nepal APF Hospital has also kept 100 beds available for the immediate treatment of flood victims requiring further medical attention.

Meanwhile, the APF Disaster Management Training Academy in Kurintar is preparing to transport disaster relief system containers with a combined capacity of 100 beds to the flood-affected areas. Similar containers located in other areas have also been mobilized toward the affected locations.

The APF headquarters and units in various districts have additionally deployed personnel trained in disaster management, along with necessary rescue equipment and supplies, to the flood-affected areas.