Kathmandu: A contingent of US Army personnel on Friday arrived in Nepal for a joint exercise focusing on disaster response training.
The main objective of the exercise is to develop the Nepal Army`s role in directing international assistance during a disaster-related crisis.
The exercise will consist of joint parachute training to simulate a disaster response and search and rescue training with helicopter support, said a statement from the US Embassy here.
Two US Air Force C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft, which flew to Nepal today, will participate in the exercise. A C-130 aircraft will be used for parachute training on October 26.
The two armies will train specifically to access areas difficult to reach by road in the event of a major disaster. There will be a humanitarian aid and disaster relief expert exchange planned and executed by the Mahabir Ranger of Nepal Army, the statement said.
The Nepal Army and the US Army`s Pacific Command recently completed a disaster response and emergency exercise in Kathmandu.
"The Nepal Army and the US Army often conduct exercises together as a sign of their continuing efforts to improve disaster response capabilities," the statement said.
