RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – The UAE Search and Rescue Team is actively engaged in field operations within Nepal’s flood-affected Rasuwa district. This deployment aims to assist Nepalese authorities in their search efforts across regions impacted by the flood caused by the Bhote Koshi River on August 26. The team is conducting ground searches and field assessments at sites affected by the deluge. They utilize drones for aerial imaging, surveying, and creating three-dimensional maps, which aid in pinpointing search locations and accessing areas where flooding has obstructed roads and infrastructure.
Working closely with Nepalese officials, the UAE team directs search operations throughout Rasuwa. Hamoud Al Afari, director of UAE relief operations, highlighted that the available technological tools are instrumental in locating missing persons. This field deployment follows evaluations of flood- and landslide-damaged zones. Search teams have encountered difficulties accessing certain areas due to extensive damage to roads and basic infrastructure. Consequently, they continue to combine ground searches with aerial surveys to analyze affected zones and guide rescue activities.
The UAE rescue unit arrived in Nepal on September 4 aboard the third relief flight, bringing with it 20 tonnes of aid supplies. This flight increased the total UAE humanitarian deliveries to Nepal to 148 tonnes. The specialized search team comprises personnel from Dubai Police and is equipped with technical tools suited for disaster response. The UAE Aid Agency is overseeing a $10 million relief package aimed at assisting communities impacted by the floods and landslides. Previous flights delivered essential supplies such as food, shelter materials, generators, and other vital equipment.
Search operations extend across flood-affected Rasuwa
As of the evening of September 6, Nepal’s District Administration Office in Rasuwa reported a total of 1,356 rescues. These included 1,270 Nepali nationals and 86 foreigners. Additionally, authorities announced that helicopters had evacuated 1,414 flood-stranded individuals and pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. The district continues to update its records of people unaccounted for following the disaster, including local residents, security personnel, government employees, bank staff, and foreign tourists.
The same district report also indicated that 169 bodies had been recovered from the affected areas. While six of these have been identified, efforts are ongoing to match the remaining bodies with their families. Nepal Police has requested DNA profiles from relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals for comparison with recovered remains. Priority is given to samples from first-degree relatives whenever possible. Families abroad can submit DNA profiles electronically for matching. Authorities are maintaining current lists of missing persons and those out of contact.
Relief efforts proceed alongside ongoing 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 along riverbanks in Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The government initiated search, rescue, and emergency relief operations immediately following the disaster. Local authorities have documented extensive damage to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower facilities. Relief supplies have been distributed at various sites, while ongoing assessments continue to quantify physical and human losses.
The UAE team’s activities in Rasuwa are part of the larger search and relief campaign led by Nepalese authorities. Their current focus includes conducting searches, aerial surveys, and detailed mapping to assist ground crews. UAE relief personnel are also distributing food packages, essential items, and other supplies within affected zones. As search teams operate in damaged areas, local officials update rescue, recovery, and missing persons records. The latest district data remained actively under review as of September 7.