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Supporting Preparedness in Nepal
The U.S. Mission to Nepal, in partnership with the Government of Nepal, recently conducted a handover ceremony in Kathmandu for a Regional Crisis Management Center and commenced the bilateral special operations training exercise “Balance Nail 17-3” at the Chhauni Barracks in Kathmandu.
The U.S - funded Regional Crisis Management Center, a $1.8 million facility constructed in the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, was developed through the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy’s Office of Defense Cooperation, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the World Food Program. This Government of Nepal and U.S. Embassy project directly supports Nepal’s ability to coordinate emergency response, facilitate communication with the National Emergency Operations Center, and provide assistance to the affected populations during both manmade and natural disasters.
The Regional Crisis Management Center and warehouse are part of a larger network of infrastructure being constructed throughout the country to provide safe locations for relief efforts and food distribution. The project was completed with assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and Himalayan Builders.
Bilateral training between the U.S. Army Special Forces and the Nepal Mahabir Rangers has roots spanning over a decade. During the “Balance Nail” exercises, the Rangers and U.S. Special Operations forces train together to prepare for, mitigate, and respond to humanitarian assistance and disaster response emergencies in rural, mountainous areas. This training will also build the Nepal Army’s ability to work side by side with government institutions, civilians, NGOs, and INGOs in the event of crises, whether at home in Nepal or when carrying out UN Peacekeeping Operations abroad.
The Regional Crisis Management Center will play an important part in maximizing the effectiveness of Nepal’s disaster response capabilities, while exercises like “Balance Nail 17-3” will strengthen the ability of security forces to respond. The U.S. Mission remains committed to supporting the Government of Nepal’s efforts in disaster preparedness and crisis response.