Do these two sentences mean the same thing?
Rescue and search operation had been going on since the tragedy happened on Thursday night , Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate Raj Kumar Gautam told Times News Network .
Rescue and search operation was on to find them , Manali Sub-Divisional Magistrate Raj Kumar Gautam told Times News Network .

Available options: (1). no; (2). yes;...I think the answer is
(1).