KATHMANDU: Today marked the start of the fourth iteration of the combined military exercise between US and Nepali security forces, which will concentrate on search and rescue methods after a tragedy. Through the sharing of information and experiences, the exercise seeks to improve disaster response capability.

The training will take place in the districts of Dhading, Makwanpur, and Kathmandu, according to the Nepal Army's Directorate of Public Relations and Information. Its goal is to make post-disaster search and rescue operations more effective.

Since 2012, there has been a combined drill with the aim of improving capacities related to disaster management and humanitarian assistance. Through cooperation, both sides are able to improve their emergency reaction times and learn from one another.

The present exercise, which has as its goal enhancing disaster preparedness cooperation between the two countries, will come to an end on September 20.