RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – In the aftermath of severe flooding, the UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively engaged in operations within Nepal’s Rasuwa district. As waters inundated the region, the team is providing assistance to Nepali authorities by exploring devastated communities and difficult terrains. They utilize drones, aerial imaging, and three-dimensional mapping techniques to assess the affected zones. This technology offers detailed perspectives of areas where floodwaters have destroyed roads, buildings, and infrastructure.
UAE officials are working closely with local agencies to prioritize search efforts throughout the district. Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, highlighted that the advanced equipment is instrumental in locating missing individuals. The teams are combining ground searches with aerial reconnaissance in regions where damaged roads hinder access. The main goal of the operation is to identify impacted sites, chart rescue routes, and aid personnel working in the flood-affected areas.
The UAE’s third relief flight on Sept. 4 carried the search and rescue team to Nepal, along with 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for flood-affected communities. This shipment brings the total relief supplies delivered by the UAE to 148 tonnes. Dubai Police personnel are also part of this specialized deployment, bringing disaster response equipment. The UAE Aid Agency is managing a $10 million relief package, which includes food, shelter materials, generators, and other vital supplies.
Rescue teams broaden operations across Rasuwa
As of the evening of Sept. 6, authorities in Rasuwa reported conducting 1,356 rescues. Of these, 1,270 were Nepali citizens and 86 were foreign nationals. Helicopters have transported 1,414 flood-affected individuals and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. Local officials continue to update lists of those still unaccounted for, including residents, government workers, security personnel, bank employees, and international visitors present during the flooding.
Recovered bodies total 169, with six victims identified by Sept. 6. Nepal Police have requested relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to submit DNA samples for identification purposes. They prefer samples from first-degree relatives when available. Families outside Nepal can electronically send DNA data for comparison with recovered remains. The authorities are actively updating missing-person reports and identifications as new information is gathered from field teams.
Flood relief efforts include rescue operations and aid distribution
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the flood from the Bhote Koshi River impacted Rasuwa at approximately 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 26. Floodwaters also caused destruction in riverbank areas of Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The government launched search, rescue, and emergency relief operations following the disaster. Damage assessments indicate destruction to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower installations. Relief teams are distributing supplies while officials evaluate the damage across affected communities.
The UAE’s ongoing mission remains focused on locating missing persons, conducting aerial surveys, and creating detailed maps for ground crews. Relief workers are also handing out food parcels and essential items to communities impacted by floods and landslides. While Nepalese authorities continue rescue, recovery, and identification activities throughout Rasuwa, they are also updating records of missing individuals. As of Sept. 7, these figures may change as field teams report new search results.