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 is part of ongoing support to Nepalese authorities in their search activities in areas impacted by the flood of August 26 along the Bhote Koshi River. The team is conducting ground searches and field assessments at locations impacted by the disaster. Drones are being utilized for aerial imaging, surveying, and three-dimensional mapping, enabling responders to identify search zones and access regions where flooding has compromised roads and infrastructure.
Working closely with local officials, the UAE team directs search efforts across Rasuwa. Hamoud Al Afari, who oversees UAE relief operations, highlighted that available technological tools are aiding in locating missing persons. The field deployment followed evaluations of flood- and landslide-affected zones. Many search teams have encountered difficulties reaching certain sites due to extensive damage to roads and essential infrastructure. Consequently, crews are combining terrestrial operations with aerial reconnaissance to survey the damage and guide their search activities.
The specialized search unit arrived in Nepal on September 4 aboard the third UAE relief flight, carrying 20 tonnes of aid. Officials confirmed that this flight increased the total relief supplies delivered by the UAE to Nepal to 148 tonnes. The team includes personnel from Dubai Police and is equipped with advanced technical tools for disaster response. The UAE Aid Agency has allocated a $10 million aid package aimed at supporting communities impacted by the floods and landslides. Previous flights delivered vital supplies such as food, shelter materials, generators, and other essentials.
Search efforts extend across flood-affected Rasuwa
The District Administration Office in Rasuwa announced that as of the evening of September 6, a total of 1,356 rescues had been carried out. Among those rescued, 1,270 were Nepali citizens and 86 were foreign nationals. Authorities also reported that helicopters transported 1,414 individuals affected by the floods and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. The district continues to update records of those reported missing after the disaster, including local residents, security personnel, government staff, bank employees, and tourists from abroad.
The same district update also recorded 169 bodies recovered from the impacted zones. Six of these have been identified, while work is ongoing to identify the remaining victims. Nepal Police has requested relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to submit DNA profiles for comparison with recovered remains, prioritizing first-degree relatives where possible. Families overseas can also send DNA profiles electronically. Authorities are maintaining and updating lists of missing and unaccounted-for individuals.
Relief efforts continue alongside ongoing search operations
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the Bhote Koshi flood struck Rasuwa around 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 26. Floodwaters also damaged riverbank regions in the districts of Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha. The government launched search, rescue, and emergency relief initiatives immediately after the disaster. Local authorities documented damages to roads, bridges, residences, schools, banks, and hydropower facilities. Relief supplies have been distributed at various locations, and ongoing assessments of physical and human losses are being conducted.
The work of the UAE team in Rasuwa is part of a larger search and relief campaign led by Nepalese authorities. Their current focus includes conducting site-specific searches, aerial surveys, and detailed mapping to assist ground crews. Alongside these efforts, UAE relief personnel are distributing food parcels, vital supplies, and other assistance in affected communities. While operations continue in the damaged areas, local authorities keep updating records related to rescue, recovery, and missing persons. As of September 7, these district records remained actively under revision.