Nepal Flash Floods: Nepal’s first woman helicopter captain, Priya Adhikari has been working nonstop to rescue people trapped by devastating floods and mudslides in Nepal and Tibet. In less than a week, she has reportedly flown around 100 rescue missions, facing dangerous weather, thick mud and crowded skies.

Risky Rescue Missions In Timure

Speaking to CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Adhikari said the thick mud makes landing especially dangerous. In some places, helicopters cannot safely shut down after landing, so pilots must keep the engines running during the rescue. “The pilots must constantly coordinate over the radio, sometimes with five or six helicopters landing at the same spot to evacuate survivors,” Adhikari said.

More Than 200 People Rescued

Adhikari further recalled flying over Timure and seeing bodies scattered across the area after the flash floods. As per reports, more than 200 survivors were rescued from Timure during the first two days. Five or six helicopters, including Army Augusta helicopters, took part in the operation. “Everything is gone. Five hydropower projects are gone, lives are gone,” she said.

ALSO READ: 'Survived 2015 Earthquake, Now Floods Too': How Nepal's 'Green Miracle House' Withstood Devastating Floodwaters | WATCH

According to Adhikari, the rescue missions have been exhausting for her and other pilots. “Most of us are so exhausted because of all the flights we have been doing. We have been trained for this,” she said. She added that despite the difficult conditions, seeing survivors gives her hope.“Every time I go and land I see people around and waving at them,” she said. "I say, you survived." Adhikari stressed that the flash floods were even bigger than Nepal's devastating 2015 earthquake.

Who Is Priya Adhikari?

Before becoming a helicopter pilot, Adhikari, 40, worked as a cabin crew member. She studied environmental science. Her interest in helicopters began after she went on a helicopter joyride. Adhikari then travelled to the Philippines to receive helicopter training and worked to complete the flying hours needed to become a captain.

She became a full-time helicopter pilot in 2017. Adhikari has taken part in search-and-rescue operations and helped rescue injured climbers from Mount Everest. She has flown rescue missions at heights of around 6,200 metres.

ALSO READ: 'Were Happy When He Passed Civil Services, Now Left Us In Tears': Family's 4-Day Quest For Son Lost In Nepal's Floods

You May Also Like To Watch: