RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively engaged in field operations in Nepal’s Rasuwa district following devastating floods that impacted the region. Their mission involves supporting local authorities in identifying and reaching affected communities amid challenging terrain. Utilizing drones, aerial imaging, and 3D mapping technology, the team surveys flood-affected zones, providing detailed imagery of roads, buildings, and infrastructure damaged by the waters.
Coordination with local officials allows UAE personnel to prioritize search zones across Rasuwa. Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, emphasized that advanced equipment is crucial for locating missing persons. The team combines ground searches with aerial reconnaissance, especially in areas where damaged roads restrict access. The primary goal is to locate affected sites, chart rescue routes, and support emergency teams operating within the flood-affected landscape.
The UAE’s third relief flight arrived in Nepal on Sept. 4, carrying the search and rescue team. This aircraft also delivered 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid to flood-stricken communities. Overall, UAE relief efforts have totaled 148 tonnes of supplies. Dubai Police personnel joined the deployment, bringing specialized disaster response equipment. The UAE Aid Agency manages a $10 million aid package, which includes essential items such as food, shelter materials, generators, and other necessities.
Rescue Operations Broaden Across Rasuwa
As of the evening of Sept. 6, authorities in Rasuwa reported conducting 1,356 rescues. Among those rescued, 1,270 were Nepali citizens and 86 were foreigners. Helicopters have transported 1,414 flood-affected individuals and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. Officials continue updating lists of people still unreachable, including residents, government employees, security personnel, bank workers, and foreign visitors present in the region when the floods occurred.
Additionally, 169 bodies have been recovered as search efforts continue, with six of these identified by Sept. 6. Nepal Police have called on relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to submit DNA samples for identification. Preference is given to samples from first-degree relatives when available. Families residing outside Nepal may submit their DNA electronically for comparison with recovered remains. The authorities are actively revising missing persons and identification records based on ongoing field reports.
Flood Relief and Rescue Operations Blend Search and Assistance Activities
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the flood from the Bhote Koshi River struck Rasuwa around 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 26. Floodwaters also caused destruction along riverbanks in Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The government initiated search, rescue, and emergency relief missions immediately after the disaster. Damage assessments show harm to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower infrastructure. Relief teams have distributed supplies while officials continue evaluating the extent of damage across affected communities.
The UAE’s deployment remains dedicated to search operations, aerial reconnaissance, and detailed mapping to aid ground crews. Relief efforts also involve distributing food parcels and essential supplies to communities impacted by flooding and landslides. While rescue and recovery efforts persist in Rasuwa, Nepali authorities maintain updated records of missing persons. The figures remain subject to change as field teams report new findings on Sept. 7.