On 25 April 2015, a devastating earthquake struck Nepal, claiming nearly 9,000 lives and injuring tens of thousands more. In the chaos of that disaster, international search and rescue teams from across the world mobilised to provide urgent aid. Among them was a member of the United Kingdom International Search and Rescue Team, deployed on behalf of the British Government. For him, this mission became the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Moved by the resilience and spirit of the Nepalese people, John made a vow during that deployment: to return, and to help Nepal better prepare for future disasters. Over the past ten years, he has honoured that promise, returning to Nepal eleven times with teams of volunteers, repurposed lifesaving equipment, and an unbreakable commitment to capacity building.
Through John’s tireless work alongside FIRE AID volunteers, training has been delivered to the British Gurkhas, the Nepal Armed Police Force (NAPF) Municipal Fire Services, and the Nepal Rescue Battalion. Most notably, this mission culminated in the founding of Everest Fire and Rescue — the official emergency service for the Everest region, one of the most remote and challenging environments on Earth.
FULL ARTICLE:
https://www.fire-aid.org/news/the-2015-nepal-earthquake-a-decade-on