KATHMANDU: For the first time in South Asia, an international conference is being held to conduct a regional simulation exercise on urban search and rescue for earthquake disasters in the Capital.

“We are organising a three day regional earthquake simulation exercise from tomorrow,” said Home secretary Dr Govinda Kusum, at a press meet organised here today. “People might feel strange but it is essential to know how to equip ourselves during times of disaster,” he added.

Some 240 participants from Asia Pacific region will take part in the exercise organised by Home Ministry with the support from the Office of United Nations Humanitarian Assistance.

The main objective of the exercise is to familiarise Nepali disaster response related organisations to the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), disaster response methodology and practice it so that Nepal can prepare for effective coordination and better disaster response in the future.

It also intends to familiarise with global standards for minimum capacity of international USAR assistance.

The exercise is being technically guided and supported by INSARAG and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).