RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively engaged in field efforts within Nepal’s flood-affected Rasuwa district. This deployment aims to bolster Nepalese authorities’ efforts in locating victims and assisting communities impacted by the floodwaters of August 26 along the Bhote Koshi River. Rescue teams are executing ground searches and conducting on-site surveys, utilizing drones for aerial imaging, mapping, and three-dimensional analysis. Such technological tools enable teams to pinpoint search zones and reach areas where floodwaters have compromised access routes and infrastructure.
Collaborating directly with Nepalese officials, the UAE team directs search efforts across Rasuwa. Hamoud Al Afari, who oversees UAE relief operations, confirmed that the available technology plays a crucial role in the search for missing persons. This deployment followed prior assessments of flood- and landslide-affected zones. Many search teams have encountered difficulties accessing certain areas due to extensive damage to roads and essential infrastructure. They continue to combine terrestrial operations with aerial surveys to evaluate the impact and guide ongoing rescue activities.
The UAE’s specialized search unit arrived in Nepal aboard the third relief flight from the UAE on September 4, bringing with it 20 tonnes of aid. Officials reported that this flight increased the total UAE relief aid delivered to Nepal to 148 tonnes. The team, comprising personnel from Dubai Police, is equipped with technical gear designed for disaster response. The UAE Aid Agency is managing a $10 million aid package to support flood- and landslide-stricken communities. Earlier flights carried vital supplies such as food, shelter materials, generators, and other essentials.
The search effort broadens across Nepal’s flood-affected Rasuwa
According to the Rasuwa District Administration Office, 1,356 rescues had been carried out by the evening of September 6, including 1,270 Nepali citizens and 86 foreign nationals. The authorities also reported that helicopters had transported 1,414 flood-affected individuals and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. The district continues to update records of those unaccounted for following the disaster, including local residents, security personnel, government workers, bank staff, and foreign tourists.
The same district report also documented 169 bodies recovered from affected regions. Six of these have been identified, with ongoing efforts to confirm the remaining remains. Nepal Police has called on relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to submit DNA profiles for comparison with recovered remains, prioritizing samples from immediate family members when possible. Families abroad can electronically submit DNA data for analysis. Authorities are actively maintaining updated lists of missing and uncontacted individuals.
Relief initiatives proceed alongside search activities
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Bhote Koshi flood impacted Rasuwa around 8:40 a.m. on August 26. Floodwaters also caused damage to riverbank zones in Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. Following the catastrophe, the government launched search, rescue, and emergency relief operations. Local authorities have documented extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower facilities. Relief supplies have been distributed at various locations while assessments of physical and human losses continue.
The efforts of the UAE team in Rasuwa are part of a wider search and relief campaign led by Nepalese authorities. Their current focus involves site searches, aerial surveys, and detailed mapping to support ground teams. Additionally, UAE relief personnel are distributing food parcels, essential supplies, and other aid in affected areas. Search teams are working in damaged zones, with local authorities updating records related to rescue, recovery, and missing persons. As of September 7, these records remained under active revision.