RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – In the aftermath of devastating floods, the UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively conducting field operations in Nepal’s Rasuwa district. The team is assisting Nepali officials by exploring damaged settlements and inaccessible terrains. Utilizing drones, aerial imaging, and three-dimensional mapping technology, they are assessing affected zones. These tools provide detailed visuals of areas where floodwaters have wrecked roads, buildings, and infrastructure.
Starting coordination with local authorities, UAE personnel are guiding rescue efforts toward priority zones across the district. According to Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, the advanced technical equipment is instrumental in locating missing persons. The search strategy combines ground operations with aerial reconnaissance, especially in regions where damaged roads hinder access. The mission aims to pinpoint impacted sites, chart routes, and aid rescue teams operating within the flood-affected areas.
The UAE’s third relief flight transported the search and rescue team to Nepal on Sept. 4, bringing with it 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for flood victims. The total relief aid delivered by the UAE now amounts to 148 tonnes, officials confirmed. Dubai Police personnel joined the operation, bringing specialized disaster response equipment. The UAE Aid Agency is managing a $10 million aid package, which includes food, shelter supplies, generators, and other crucial resources.
Rescue Operations Broaden Across Rasuwa
By the evening of Sept. 6, local authorities reported a total of 1,356 rescues conducted in Rasuwa. This included 1,270 Nepali citizens and 86 foreigners. Helicopter evacuations also transported 1,414 flood-affected individuals and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. Officials continue updating lists of those still missing, which encompass residents, government staff, security personnel, bank employees, and international visitors caught in the disaster zone during the floods.
In addition, authorities recorded 169 recovered bodies as rescue efforts persisted, with six victims identified by Sept. 6. Nepal Police have requested relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to submit DNA profiles for identification. When possible, samples from close relatives are preferred. Families outside Nepal can send DNA data electronically to match with recovered remains. The ongoing revision of missing persons and identification records reflects the latest field reports from search teams.
Flood Relief Efforts Include Rescue and Humanitarian Support
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the flood caused by the Bhote Koshi River struck Rasuwa around 8:40 a.m. on Aug. 26. Floodwaters also impacted riverbank communities in Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The government responded promptly with search, rescue, and emergency relief operations. They documented damage to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower stations. Relief teams have been distributing supplies while damage assessments continue across the affected regions.
The UAE’s deployment remains concentrated on identifying search locations, conducting aerial surveys, and creating detailed maps for ground teams. Additionally, relief workers are handing out food parcels and vital supplies to flood- and landslide-affected communities. Nepali authorities are actively engaged in rescue, recovery, and identification efforts throughout Rasuwa, maintaining updated records of missing persons. As of Sept. 7, these figures are subject to change as field teams continue reporting from search sites.