Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue, 2014
The Government of Nepal
Ministry of Home Affairs
2014
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/0
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
1.
Background:
Nepal is a hotspot for natural disasters such as floods, landslides, fire, cyclonic winds,
hailstorms, drought, famine and epidemics. Located on an active seismic belt, Nepal is
also highly vulnerable to seismic activities. The historical records have shown that
Kathmandu valley has witnessed serious damages of life and property from the major
earthquakes in 19th century. One of the most devastating earthquakes in 1934 AD, with
magnitude of 8.4 having the epicenter in the eastern region of Nepal, caused serious
damages around the country. Around 60% of the buildings had been damaged and about
8519 people were killed, out of which 4269 people were from Kathmandu Valley alone. It
is difficult to predict an earthquake, but it is inevitable. When it occurs, not the earthquake
itself, but effects of it devastates all human built infrastructures and that destroys lives and
property. It catastrophes the infrastructures of physical development built by human since
centuries including other structures and natural environment. If the event of a major
earthquake occurs in Nepal, it is likely that major hospitals, schools and buildings and
houses of the general public would collapse. A large numbers of live victims buried in the
debris, thousands of people would be injured and a large number of people would be
displaced. In such situation the immediate needs for search and rescue capacity would be
overwhelming and it is important to establish and enhance the capacity of an integrated
Search and Rescue (SAR) team to respond it.
2.
Concept of Strategic Action Plan:
Trained personnel from the Security forces namely Nepal Army (NA), Nepal Police (NP)
and Armed Police Force (APF) are working as Search and Rescue (SAR) team as Nepal
does not have specialized capable and skilled unified SAR force till the date. The
Government of Nepal (GoN), for disaster response, has developed the minimum level
SAR capacity from the trained and dedicated security personnel of Nepali Army (NA),
Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Police (NP). Based on the National Strategy for
Disaster Risk Reduction (NSDRM) – 2066 (2009) and analytical recommendations
received from International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) in 2011, and
lessons and suggestions from policy Action Plan prepared for capacity building by
National Disaster Response Frame work, 2070 and Disaster Preparedness and Response
Plan the Government of Nepal (GoN) has prioritized the formation, capacity building and
strengthening integrated SAR capacity in the country. This strategy, basically, is based on
the guidelines and methodology of United Nations' International Search and Rescue
Advisory Group (INSARAG). It has insured the preparedness for response. Based on the
response work plan of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG)
the National Rescue Teams performs the duty of emergency rescue.




This Action Plan, enhancing overall capacity, enhances the rescue capacity for
every new emergency response.
The exercise to be performed in different level, the language to be used and the
information to be shared should be common.
Interconnecting preparedness, capacity development, trainings and capacity
indicators at all level, this addresses it in a unified approach to each other.
While mobilizing the SAR teams, the components of management, logistics, Search
and Rescue (SAR) and medical also will be included in it.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/1
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
The framework of the Search and Rescue (SAR) response will be as shown in the picture.
Coordination approach between national and international responders during major
disasters shall be as determined by the national response framework. The first responders
shall be local emergency service and community responders and there shall be light,
medium and heavy SAR taskforces in the national SAR taskforce. There shall be medium
and heavy taskforces in the international taskforce.
International
National SAR Taskforce
• Medium SAR Teams
• Light SAR Teams
•
Light SAR
Love/Belonging
First Responders
 Local Emergency Services
 Community Responders
Safety
3.
Strategic Vision:
A strategic vision is to develop a professionally and technically sound Search and Rescue
(SAR) Team in Nepal as per the INSARAG Guidelines and National Disaster Response
Framework (NDRF, 2070), and enhance effectiveness in the SAR activities.
4.
Purpose of the Strategic Action Plan:

Form a specialized SAR team for disaster response and enhance capacity in
accordance of international standards.
 Enable the SAR team spontaneously in SAR activities assigning clear area of work.
 Create an excellent environment for developing capacity of Search and Rescue
(SAR) with an active coordination and assistance of the government and other
stakeholders, and make capable to address the challenges of Search and Rescue
(SAR) remaining in a single action plan immediately after disaster incidents.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/2
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
5.
Goal:
1. Set up strong Search and Rescue (SAR) teams of international standard including
individuals with specialized training based on standards and experience of the UN
International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), and which is
conducive to Nepal’s condition and environment on a long-term basis. And
gradually build the capacity of such teams.
2. In the present situation set up a Mid-level Search and Rescue (SAR) teams of
national standard in the Nepali Army (NA) and Armed Police Force (APF), and
gradually build their capacity.
3. Set up seven general Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in Nepal Police (NP)
immediately as the first response act towards making the disaster response
effective at the local level, and gradually expand the setting up of such teams and
enhance their capacity accordingly.
4. Gradually enhance the capacity of the established search and rescue teams and
upgrade them to the international level.
5.1 The basis for the determination of the goals related to the Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams are as follows:
a. Adopt a tri-partite concept for capacity enhancement, including:
(i) Equip the first response act of the community level with necessary logistics.
(ii) Strengthen the response capacity of the emergency service providers, and
(iii) Develop dedicated Search and Rescue (SAR) teams that could be
mobilized immediately, so as to add strength to the daily response activities as
per the need.
b. Identify and train the efficient human resource that could be mobilized
immediately for Search and Rescue (SAR) in the wake of a disaster.
6.
Strategy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Set up specialized and professional Search and Rescue (SAR) teams for the Search
and Rescue (SAR) work.
Determine a clear area of work and responsibilities of the search and rescue teams.
Set up search and rescue teams and the international, national and local level
gradually based on the priority as per international standards and suitable to
national context and environment.
For institutional consolidation, build the capacity of the Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams in coordination and collaboration with various ministries/bodies, donor
agencies and partners.
Maintain sustainability through institutional consolidation of the Search and
Rescue (SAR) teams by appointing or replacing individuals only with specialized
knowledge and training in the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
Strengthening the disaster search and rescue-oriented preparation for effective
response.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/3
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
7.
Guiding principles of the strategic action plan for Search and Rescue (SAR)
capacity enhancement:
1. The formation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams shall be based on the
standards of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG).
2. Search and rescue teams shall be formed and operated on the basis of national
context and needs.
3. The advice and consultation received from the UN agencies and donor community
shall serve as guidelines for the formation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
4. The Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee (CNDRC), the Regional Disaster
Relief Committee (RDRC) and District Disaster Relief Committee (DDRC) shall
mobilize the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams by working within their jurisdiction.
5. In case of a large scale disaster, the mobilization of the Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams shall be carried out by the tripartite response mechanism and as per the
national disaster response working modality.
6. There shall be pre-management of the mobilization of the Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams for disaster response activities by receiving prior information on time
through the emergency operation centres based on the early/prior information
system.
7. In case of large scale disaster, the coordination structure of national and
international response actors shall be as per the national disaster response working
structure.
8. The National Emergency Operation Centre shall serve as the Secretariat for the
mobilization of the search and rescue teams.
8.
Problems and Challenges:
Specialized and professional integrated Search and Rescue (SAR) teams for the Search
and Rescue (SAR) work has not yet been formed in Nepal. In present situation, the trained
human resource of Nepali Army (NA), Nepal Police (NP) and Armed Police Force (APF)
are carrying out Search and Rescue (SAR) work for disaster response separately.
As per the Government of Nepal Work Division Regulations, 2064 (along with
amendment), the Home Ministry has been playing a coordinating role of all activities
related to disaster response. There is a need to carry out the disaster response activities
including immediate information collection, assessment, regulation, security of life and
property, enforcement of law, treatment of the sick and injured, care of the vulnerable
people, prior management of relief materials and logistics in a coordinated and effective
way.
There is a need to enhance the effectiveness of the response capacity by further
strengthening the institutional capacity of Nepali Army (NA), Armed Police Force (APF)
and Nepal Police (NP) that are involved in the disaster response activities. In present
situation, the thematic services provided during an emergency have not been effective.
There is lack of coordination in the training programmes provided by various agencies for
Search and Rescue (SAR) while the trained human resource remains scattered in different
agencies, and there is also lack of continuity of such individuals. The trainings lack quality
and uniformity. In this context, the major challenges existing in the area of Search and
Rescue (SAR) are as follows:
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/4
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
1. To form specialized and professional integrated Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams for response activities.
2. To integrate the training human resource scattered in various agencies and
develops professionalism in them.
3. Develop modern knowledge and skills related to Search and Rescue (SAR) in
the trained human resource, and manage sufficient equipment and logistics for
it.
4. Run training programmes in a managed way as per the international standards
and suitable to Nepali context and situation.
5. Remove the existing legal complexities in the formation of Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams.
6. Manage in designated types and sufficient number the Search and Rescue
(SAR) materials, individual and communication equipments, medical
equipment and other logistical goods and equipments necessary for effective
Search and Rescue (SAR) work.
7. In the urban centres, ensure management of sufficient number of fire control
teams, fire control equipments, provide necessary training for the fire
controllers and ensure sufficient amount of necessary water for the same.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/5
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
9.
S
N
1.
Formation of Search and Rescue (SAR) Team and their Plan of Action:
Strategy
Activities
Set up the
specialized and
professional
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
team for
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
1. Ensure legal basis amending
the existing laws for setting
up the Search and Rescue
(SAR) Team
2. Identify the existing trained
human resources within the
three security forces to set up
the Search and Rescue
(SAR) team
3. Divide the existing trained
human resources into three
categories (specially trained,
moderately trained and
simply trained) based on
their skill and capacity
4. Identify the existing
equipment and resources for
establishing the National
Medium Search and Rescue
Teams and list out the
necessary equipment and
resources.
5. Identify, after assessing and
analysing, the existing
equipment and resources for
Responsible
Agency
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Supportive Agency
Duration
Expected
Achievements
Proper legal
basis will be
established.
Ministry of Law,
Justice and
Parliamentary
Affairs (MoLJPA)
Ministry of Home
Nepali Army (NA),
Affairs (MoHA),
Nepal Police (NP)
Ministry of Defense and Armed Police
(MoD)
Force (APF)
Within 6
months
Nepali Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP)
and Armed Police
Force (APF)
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD)
Within 3
months
Nepali Army (NA), Ministry of Home
Armed Police Force Affairs (MoHA),
(APF)
Ministry of Defense
(MoD)
Within 6
months
A detailed list of
equipment and
accessories for
SAR will be
identified.
Nepal Police (NP)
Within 6
months
A detailed list of
equipment and
accessories for
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Within 2
months
Existing trained
human resources
within the three
security forces
will be
identified.
Trained human
resources will be
classified.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/6
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
2.
Determine the
clear area of
work and
responsibilities
of the Search
and Rescue
(SAR) Team
establishing the Light Search
and Rescue Team and list
out the necessary equipment
and resources.
6. Identify the existing
equipment and human
resources for setting up the
local community level
Search and Rescue (SAR)
team who have received
basic level MFR/CSSR
training in community level
from NRCS and national and
international assisting
institutions, and prepare a
list of necessary accessories
and equipment.
1. Develop a road map to
mobilize national level medlevel SAR teams with
necessary human resources
and equipment within Nepal
Army (NA) and Armed
Police Force (APF) one in
each, and determine
functional responsibilities
2. Develop a road map to
operate Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams with necessary
Search and
Rescue SAR will
be identified.
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Nepal Red Cross
Society (NRCS),
Nepal Police (NP)
Within 6
months
Necessary
human resources
and other
resources will be
identified to set
up the
community level
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
team.
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD)
Nepali Army (NA),
Armed Police Force
(APF), UN
Agencies, National
and International
assisting institutions
Within 6
months
Nepal Police (NP)
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
UN Agencies,
Within 6
months
Road map will
be developed
and
responsibility
identified.
Enable
spontaneously in
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
activities.
The Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams within
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/7
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
human resources and
equipment in Nepal Police
(NP) in its regional, zonal
and district level units
National and
International
assisting institutions
3. Develop a road map and
determine functional
responsibilities to operate the
local level community based
Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams
District Disaster
Relief Committee
(DDRC) and Local
Disaster Relief
Committees
(LDRC)
4. On the basis of road map
prepared by the three
institutions, prepare a
mobilization procedure of
the Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams established in
three levels to mobilize them
in the disaster
5. Maintain sustainability in the
Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams ensuring replacement
and the positions of the
Search and Rescue (SAR)
team members is carried out
only within the specialized
and trained human resources
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
National
Emergency
Operation Center
(NEOC)
Nepal Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP)
and Armed Police
Force (APF)
Nepal Police (NP),
Local Bodies, Nepal
Red Cross Society
(NRCS) and
National and
International
assisting institutions
Nepali Army (NA),
Armed Police Force
(APF), Nepal Police
(NP)
Within 6
months
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD)
Regular
Within 9
months
various
organizations
will
continuously
have trained
human
resources.
Road map will
be developed to
mobilize
community level
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams.
Mobilization
procedure of
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams will be
developed.
Sustainability
will be
maintained in the
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams with
institutional
consolidation.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/8
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
3.
Set up
international,
national and
local level
Search and
(SAR) teams
respectively on
the basis of
priorities and
comply to
national
context and
environment,
and in
accordance to
international
standard
respectively
1. As the first response, set up
the community level first
responders at ward level in
VDC/municipality based on
available human resource
and other resources and
mobilize during disaster
2. In the first phase, set up
seven light Search and
Rescue SAR teams in Nepal
Police (NP) at its regional,
zonal and district units and
mobilize during disaster
3. Set up and operate one medlevel Search and Rescue
(SAR) team in Nepal Army
(NA) and Armed Police
Force (APF) each
District Disaster
Relief Committee
(DDRC), respective
District
Development
Committee (DDC)
and Village
Development
Committee
(VDC)/municipality
Nepal Police (NP)
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Federal
Affairs and Local
Development
(MoFALD), Nepal
Police (NP) and
Nepal Red Cross
Society (NRCS)
Within 1 year
Community
level Search and
Rescue SAR
teams in disaster
prone VDCs of
all 75 districts
will be formed
and mobilized
during disaster.
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Nepal Red Cross
Society (NRCS),
UN Agencies, and
National and
International NGOs
Within 1 year
Nepali Army (NA)
and Armed Police
Force (APF)
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), Nepal Red
Cross Society
(NRCS), UN
Agencies, and
National and
International NGOs
Within 1 year
and 6 months
Regional, zonal
and district level
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams in Nepal
Police (NP) will
be established
and mobilized
during disaster.
There will be
one national
level medium
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
team in each
Nepal Police
(NA) and Armed
Police Force
(APF).
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/9
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
4.
Capacity
building of
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams with
institutional
consolidation
in coordination
and assistance
with various
government
ministries,
donor agencies
and other
partners
1. Provide necessary trainings
and instructions to the
human resources of local
Search and Rescue (SAR)
teams established in
community level on Search
and Rescue (SAR) by trained
human resources from
Nepali Army (NA), Nepal
Police (NP) and Armed
Police Force (APF)
2. Keep capacity development
continue providing necessary
trainings and instructions to
human resources of the light
SAR team established in
Nepal Police (NP) by trained
experts of Nepali Army
(NA), Nepal Police (NP) and
Armed Police Force (APF)
and other national and
international experts
3. Keep institutional capacity
development continue
providing specialized
trainings and instructions to
human resources of the
medium level SAR teams
established in Nepali Army
(NA) and Armed Police
DDRC and LDRC
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), District
Development
Committee (DDC),
Nepal Red Cross
Society (NRCS),
UN Agencies and
national and
international NGOs
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), Nepal Red
Cross Society
(NRCS) and
national and
international NGOs
Continue
after
establishment
Trained human
resources for
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
will be
developed in
local level.
Continue
after
establishment
Light Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams will be
developed in
Nepal Police
(NP) and the
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
activities will be
more effective.
Nepali Army (NA), Ministry of Home
Armed Police Force Affairs (MoHA),
(APF)
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), Nepal Red
Cross Society
(NRCS) and
national and
international NGOs
Continue
after
establishment
There will be
capacity
development of
the trained
human resources
on SAR teams
established in
Nepal Army
Nepal Police (NP)
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/10
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
Force (APF) by trained
experts of Nepali Army
(NA), Nepal Police (NP) and
Armed Police Force (APF)
and other national and
international experts
4. Prepare National Training
Manual Guidance to develop
capacity of the Search and
Rescue (SAR) teams
established in three levels on
regular basis, and conduct
trainings and instructions of
basic level, intermediate
level and advance level
5. Set up and develop the
National Disaster
Management Training
Academy (NDMTA) to
develop special capacity of
the Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams regularly
(NA) and Armed
Police Force
(APF) and the
SAR activity
will be effective.
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
National
Emergency
Operation Center
(NEOC)
Nepali Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP)
and Armed Police
Force (APF),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD)
Within 6
months
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Nepali Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP),
and Armed Police
Force (APF),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), Donor
Agencies, national
and international
NGOs
Within 2
years
With the
preparation of
National
Training Manual
Guidance and
conduct of
trainings and
instructions to
the SAR teams
accordingly, the
capable human
resources will be
prepared in all
three levels
National
Disaster
Management
Training
Academy
(NDMTA) will
be set up and
developed and
regular training
and instructions
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/11
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
5.
6.
For effective
response,
strengthen the
preparedness
of disaster
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
oriented
activity
Regular
monitoring and
evaluation the
activities
performed for
the
establishment,
operation, and
capacity
6. Consolidate institutional
capacity for SAR teams
established in different levels
(local, Nepal Police (NP),
Nepali Army (NA) and
Armed Police Force (APF))
with necessary equipment,
machines and tools, and
sufficient other resources
1. Keep the SAR teams in a
ready to move position at
any time for disaster
response with support and
coordination from line
ministries, related
government departments,
donor agencies and other
related entities
1. There will be a national
monitoring and evaluation
committee comprising the
members from Ministry of
Home Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense (MoD),
Nepali Army (NA), Nepal
Police (NP), Armed Police
Force (APF), and UN
Ministry of Finance
(MoF)
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA),
Ministry of Defense
(MoD), UN
Agencies, Donor
Agencies and
assisting institutions
Continue
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Government line
ministries and
institutions, Nepal
Red Cross Society
(NRCS) and donor
agencies and
national and
international
assisting institutions
Nepali Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP),
Armed Police Force
(APF), UN
Agencies and other
partners
Continue in
the situation
of
preparedness
Ministry of Home
Affairs (MoHA)
Continue
will be
conducted in
specialized way.
Adequate
resources will be
managed and
institutional
capacity of the
Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams will be
strengthened.
The Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams at all
levels will be in
ready to move
position for
disaster
response.
The Search and
Rescue (SAR)
teams will be
established,
operated and
their capacity is
developed, and
they will be
operated
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/12
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
development
of the SAR
teams
Agencies, which is
coordinated by Ministry of
Home Affairs (MoHA), and
that will monitor and
evaluate performed activities
regularly and prepare a
report
effectively.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/13
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
10. Enforcement of Action Plan:
This strategic action plan has been developed by taking the response design of the Search
and Rescue (SAR) group under the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group
(INSARAG) as a basis and adjusting it to a national form. Support from the donor
community, International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), stakeholders
and concerned experts is expected for the enforcement of this action plan. The responsible
agencies and supporting bodies designated for the enforcement of this action plan shall
assume their respective role and responsibilities in an effective way. Nepali Army (NA),
Nepal Police (NP) and Armed Police Force (APF) are committed to the enforcement of
this National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue for development of prepreparation and response system and for capacity enhancement in the context of disaster
management in Nepal. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) shall be responsible for the
mobilization of the search and rescue teams. The National Emergency Operation Centre
(NEOC) of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) shall serve as the Secretariat for the
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams.
Enforcement of this action plan is expected to lead to effectiveness in the disaster
management as well as enhance the government’s capacity in disaster response activities,
and thereby ensure the quality of the response activities carried out during a disaster. As
the present strategic action plan has been developed by being based on all the policies,
guidelines and structure of the Government of Nepal (GoN), it shall prove a milestone in
the greater disaster management of Nepal. The Search and Rescue (SAR) teams shall
function as per the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) and in coordination
and collaboration with the concerned Ministries, departments and partners. In the context
of disaster response, this strategic action plan is expected to become successful in
developing the best ability and environment for effective Search and Rescue (SAR) with
commitment to the main principle of humanitarian assistance of saving the lives of citizens
trapped in the damaged structures or remains.
11. Legal arrangements:
In Nepal, the Natural Calamity Relief Act, 1982 is being implemented in order to facilitate
disaster management by keeping disaster management related activities within the duty
and area of work of the government. This Act is the main basis for formation and
operation of Search and Rescue (SAR) teams for disaster response activities. The
formation and mobilization of Search and Rescue (SAR) teams for disaster response
activities is also covered by the following existing legal and policy measures:

National Strategy for Disaster Risk Management, 2066

National Disaster Response Framework, 2070

Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Guidelines, 2067

Disaster Victim Rescue and Relief Standards, 2064

Nepal Police Act, 2052 and Regulations

Local Administration Act, 2028

Armed Police Force Act, 2058 and Regulations

Military Act, 2063
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/14
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
The existing Natural Calamity Relief Act, 2039 must be reformed while necessary
amendments must be made to the Army Act, 2063, Armed Police Force Act, 2058 and
Nepal Police Act, 2052, and concerned regulations in order to make the Search and Rescue
(SAR) work for effective and managed by facing the challenges posed by a disaster, and
arrangement must be made to form and operate skilled and professional Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams in all the three bodies. For this, necessary amendment/reforms shall be made
in the existing law in order to ensure favorable legal arrangement for the same.
12. Institutional measures:
12.1 Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA)/Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee
(CNDRS):
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is playing a coordinating role in disaster
management and disaster response activities in Nepal. Under coordination of the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA), other thematic ministries of the government,
commissions, and departments, national and international organizations are carrying out
disaster response-related activities in the country. The Central Natural Disaster Relief
Committee (CNDRC) chaired by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) is the highest
authority to formulate policy and plans for disaster response and provide necessary
guidelines. The National Emergency Operation Centre (NEOC) is working as a central
coordinating body to collect and disseminate information in time of a disaster and
provide disaster response and humanitarian assistance. The National Emergency
Operation Centre (NEOC) has also been authorized to assess the institutional capacity
of various bodies and in time of an emergency disaster response work in coordination
with disaster focal points at various ministries/commission and departments.
12.2 Nepali Army (NA):
Nepali Army (NA) has been playing the role of the major response actor in disaster
management since the past and on many occasions also an active leading role in times
of emergency response. The Government of Nepal (GoN) has given Nepali Army (NA)
the responsibility of the first response actor in Search and Rescue (SAR) during a
disaster as it has an organized and disciplined structure, its own aviation service,
communications, transport, health and the capacity to run basic Search and Rescue
(SAR) activities. Currently, the Disaster Management Directorate (DMD) has been
established in the Nepali Army (NA) as the organized force to run Search and Rescue
(SAR) works under disaster management and disaster response activities. Though the
Secretariat has been established as a dedicated force, it would not be sufficient to run
Search and Rescue (SAR) work from the Directorate in all the regions of the country.
So it is essential to further expand the basic Search and Rescue (SAR) capacity being
developed in other forces. Nepali Army (NA) has limited stock of basic
goods/equipment essential for Search and Rescue (SAR) work while skilled human
resource who are trained in the Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR) and
Medical First Responder (MFR). So far, the Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue
(CSSR) teams as per the international practice and standard are yet to be formed in the
Nepali Army (NA). Formation of a designated National Medium-level Search and
Rescue (SAR) Team in the Nepali Army (NA) is essential in order to make the Search
and Rescue (SAR) work effective.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/15
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
12.3 Nepal Police (NP):
Nepal Police (NP) has been traditionally performing the role of the first responder in
time of an emergency. Whether it’s a fire or any riots, Nepal Police (NP) is immediately
mobilized immediately any emergency situation arises. A disaster management unit has
been recently established in the Nepal Police (NP) central office while Nepal Police
(NP) has 2,133 units from the central to district and local level that have been playing
an important role in information collection, coordination of functions and in rescue,
relief and rehabilitation work. However, Nepal Police (NP) has only recently
established the disaster management special task force and it lacks sufficient facilities
for disaster management training. Majority of the trainings take place at the National
Police Training Academy where the Collapsed Structure Search and Rescue (CSSR)
and Medical First Responder (MFR) equipment have been installed only for training
purpose. Along with the recently established disaster management task force, seven for
general Search and Rescue (SAR) teams will be established within the structure of
Nepal police (NP).
12.4 Armed Police Force (APF):
The Armed Police Force (APF) was established as a quasi-military force as per the
Armed Police Force Act, 2058. Among its roles, the significant and major task is to
support in the search, rescue and relief management of the victims of disaster and
epidemic.
In 2011, the Disaster Management Training Centre (DMTC) was established in the
Armed Police Force (APF) Base Camp in Kurintar with the objective of making disaster
management work effective. The objective of establishing the disaster management
training centre is to produce necessary professional human resource for Search and
Rescue (SAR) and also to enhance the capacity of Armed Police Force (APF).
However, sufficient logistical goods and support system necessary for operating disaster
management is yet to be ensured in the Armed Police Force (APF). The human
personnel trained at the Disaster Management Training Centre (DMTC) will be posted
in the Armed Police Force (APF) in an integrated manner and a designated National
Medium-level Search and Rescue (SAR) team shall be constituted in order to make
emergency response activities more effective and systematic in the future.
12.5 Fire Brigade:
Presently there are five fire control teams in Kathmandu valley. As soon as an incident
of fire is reported, fire brigade from Kathmandu Metropolis, Lalitpur Sub-metropolis
and Bhaktapur municipality reach the incident site immediately for security of public
property and work as the first responder to control the fire. Apart from this, there is
provision to have at least one fire brigade in every municipality, including all district
headquarters. Nepali Army (NA) and Armed Police Force (APF) also have their own
fire control units. These fire fighters are usually mobilized for internal fire control. In
case of any incident of fire goes beyond the control of civil fire controllers, then the fire
controllers in the Nepali Army (NA) and Nepal Police (NP) can provide necessary
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/16
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
support. After the formation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, arrangement shall
be made whereby the members of the team shall operate the fire brigades.
12.6 Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS)
Currently, there is lack of government-approved special training operation guidelines
and programme on disaster management for the public institutions and for the general
public. However, Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has been working with its own
resources and in collaboration with other aid agencies and organisations working in the
sector to run trainings and public awareness programmes, which has provided people in
different parts of the country opportunity for training on disaster risk mitigation and
disaster response. Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has been trying to reach every
VDC of the country to increase knowledge and public awareness on resilience towards
disaster through basic search and rescue skills, community-based risk mitigation
training curriculum etc.
This organization that reached up to the community-level is expected to become the
most equipped organization with network to support community response and capacity
building training. Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has also set up the National
Communications System. Through this system, Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) has
the ability to communicate with its local units and compile and disseminate information
immediately.
12.7 National and International Non-government Organizations (N/INGOs):
Many national and international NGOs working in Nepal are also carrying out
important task in building Search and Rescue (SAR) capacity at the local level.
Coordination and collaboration with these organizations will be important in the future
in developing and promoting Search and Rescue (SAR) teams in Nepal.
13. The structure of the three-tier search and rescue group in Nepal will be as follows:
13.1 Community-level response:
The Search and Rescue (SAR) team of the local level shall be based on the community
and will be regarded as the first responder. This group shall support to fulfill the basic
needs wanted immediately in the community of the incident site. It shall include human
resource under the community police service centre of Nepal Police (NP) and human
resources trained on basic MFR and CSSR from Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) and
national and international NGOs.
The community-based organizations shall provide continuous support to the
development and capacity building of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams at the
community level and would continuously upgrade them to be able to provide best
service during an emergency. During a disaster when the general and medium level
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams have not arrived or would take some time to arrive, the
community level Search and Rescue (SAR) team will carry out preliminary work to
save the lives of the people and support the general and medium level Search and
Rescue (SAR) teams as per the need and in accordance with the local context.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/17
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
13.2 Light Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams:
The Light Search and Rescue (SAR) Team will be stations in the Nepal Police (NP)
premises in the regional, zone, district headquarters and municipalities. In the initial
phase, there shall be one Light Search and Rescue (SAR) Team each in the regional
offices of Nepal Police (NP) in the five development regions and one in the
Metropolitan Police Office in Kathmandu valley. They will work on the basis of their
working area. Likewise, a Light Search and Rescue (SAR) Team shall be established at
the fire brigade office in Kathmandu Metropolis while fire control offices in other
municipalities will be empowered with necessary equipments.
The Light Search and Rescue (SAR) Team shall work within the mechanism of the
security body and the members of the search and rescue team shall remain in a ready
position round-the-clock. Members of the Search and Rescue (SAR) Team shall be
mobilized in search and rescue (SAR) work without any arms. The Light Search and
Rescue (SAR) Team in the concerned security body shall be trained as per the
integrated search and rescue (SAR) ability, and in case the trained member is to be
transferred elsewhere the only a full trained member will replace in the vacant post. In
order to exchange urban Search and Rescue (SAR) capacity in case of large scale
disaster, bilateral agreement shall be reached with possible countries. Along with this,
the government shall move ahead with the process of determining necessary training
module, materials and continuity for the capacity enhancement of all search and rescue
teams in the country, and thereby implement the process of semi-skill and skill
development process in a phase-wise manner.
13.3 National Medium Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams:
In the preliminary phase, one national medium Search and Rescue (SAR) team each
would be established in the Nepali Army (NA) and Armed Police Force (APF). The
Search and Rescue (SAR) team to be established under the Nepali Army (NA) shall be
stationed in the Nepali Army (NA) barrack at the Tribhuvan International Airport or in
an appropriate location where Nepali Army (NA) is stationed. The medium Search and
Rescue (SAR) team under the Armed Police Force (APF) shall be established at the
Armed Police Force (APF) in Khumaltar, Lalitpur or at disaster management unit in
other appropriate location.
The Medium Search and Rescue (SAR) team will be active at times of a big disaster.
However, in absence of a disaster the members of this team shall work as trainers in the
training centres to produce necessary human resource of the nation or those required
within the Search and Rescue (SAR) team or to produce personnel to replace vacant
posts. This will lead to production of additional human resource for Search and Rescue
(SAR) and there support the fulfillment of needs of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams
to be established at other locations.
In case of big disaster in Nepal, the medium Search and Rescue (SAR) under Nepali
Army (NA) shall work in coordination with the Search and Rescue (SAR) group and as
a contact point of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (ISRAG).
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/18
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
14. Fiscal Management:
The funds received from the national budget of the government and support from donor
agencies shall be major financial source to establish and mobilize Search and Rescue
(SAR) abilities as envisaged in this strategic action plan. The financial provisions
through the aforementioned sources will lead to the establishment and operation of the
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams as per the strategic action plan. The Government of
Nepal (GoN) shall allocate necessary budget for the mobilization of the Search and
Rescue (SAR) teams to be set up in the Nepali Army (NA), Nepal Police (NP) and
Armed Police Force (APF).
The financial and technical support received from donor agencies and national and
international organizations will be utilized to set up, operate and build capacity of the
Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. Some logistical goods, equipment and machinery
items in the security bodies shall be translocated as per the need while setting up the
office of the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams. The Government of Nepal (GoN) shall
bear the additional expenses to be incurred while mobilizing the Search and Rescue
(SAR) teams. The support received from the donor agencies shall be utilized only in
trainings and purchase of machine and equipments. The fiscal management and
standards of expenditure shall be as outlined in the prevailing legal provisions and the
standard of disaster management.
15. Monitoring and Evaluation
The Home Ministry shall be responsible for carrying out all activities related to
coordination, facilitation, monitoring and evaluation in order to ensure that works are
being carried out in a regular and effective manner, and as outlined by the Natural
Calamity Rescue Act, 2039. The National Emergency Operation Centre under the
Home Ministry Disaster Management Division will serve as the Secretariat for
monitoring and evaluation.
For building search and rescue capacity in Nepal and for the effectiveness of the
national strategic action plan, there shall be a Central Monitoring Committee at the
central level as below. The Monitoring and Evaluation Committee shall monitor and
evaluation the formation, operation, development and consolidation works of the search
and Rescue teams and report to the Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee.
Secretary, Home Ministry
Major General, Nepal Army
AIGP, Nepal Police
AIGP, APF
Joint Secretary, MoHA
Joint Secretary, MoD
Chief, Disaster Preparedness
and Response Section
Coordinator
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member Secretary
The central monitoring committee, while conducting its duty of monitoring and
evaluation regarding Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, can seek the support of the
United Nations agencies and other stakeholders if there is a need of specialized support.
At the national level, the Central Natural Disaster Relief Committee (CNDRC) and the
Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) serve as a lead to overall Search and Rescue (SAR)
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/19
Unofficial Translation (DRAFT)
capacity, while individual the Search and Rescue (SAR) teams are self-managed within
their respective security forces (NA, NP & APF). The District Disaster Relief
Committee (DDRC)/ the Chief District Officer (CDO)s will ensure the monitoring and
evaluation of the Search and Rescue (SAR) performance and implementation at the
district level. For this, on the basis of this action plan and National Strategy for Disaster
Risk Reduction (NSDRM) – 2066 (2009), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MoHA) will
develop certain indicators for monitoring and evaluation.
National Strategic Action Plan for Search and Rescue in Nepal, 2014/20