Kathmandu, Sept. 23 -- Airlines Operators Association of Nepal (AOAN) has directed its member helicopter companies to keep their aircraft on standby for possible rescue operations as meteorologists forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall across Nepal over the next five days.

The association issued a circular to its member companies on Wednesday, asking them to remain prepared to launch rescue and emergency operations if floods, landslides or other disasters occur because of adverse weather.

The circular, issued by association president Pratap Jung Pandey, said heavy rainfall and adverse weather were likely in various parts of the country from Friday to Sunday. It urged helicopter operators to exercise heightened caution while conducting f...