RASUWA, NEPAL / RankWire.AI / – Following devastating floods in the region, UAE Search and Rescue operatives are actively engaged in field missions within Nepal’s Rasuwa district. Their mission involves assisting Nepali authorities in investigating and reaching impacted communities across challenging terrains. Utilizing drones, aerial imaging, and 3D mapping technology, the team monitors the affected zones. These tools provide detailed visuals of locations where floodwaters have caused destruction to roads, structures, and infrastructure.
UAE responders are working closely with local officials to prioritize search areas throughout the district. Hamoud Al Afari, head of UAE relief operations, emphasized that advanced technical tools are crucial in locating missing persons. The operation combines ground searches with aerial reconnaissance, especially in zones where damaged roads hinder access. Its primary aim is to identify impacted sites, create detailed route maps, and aid rescue teams operating within the flood-affected landscape.
The third UAE relief flight brought the search and rescue team to Nepal on September 4, carrying 20 tonnes of humanitarian aid for flood victims. This shipment increases the total relief aid delivered by the UAE to 148 tonnes. Dubai Police personnel have joined the mission with specialized disaster response equipment. The UAE Aid Agency is managing a $10 million aid package that includes food, shelter materials, generators, and other essential supplies.
Rasuwa search operations expand as rescue teams intensify efforts
By the evening of September 6, authorities in Rasuwa had conducted 1,356 rescues. The data indicates 1,270 Nepali nationals and 86 foreign citizens were saved. Helicopters transported 1,414 flood-affected individuals and stranded pilgrims to Nuwakot and Kathmandu. Local officials are continuously updating lists of those still unaccounted for, including residents, government staff, security personnel, bank employees, and international visitors present during the flooding.
As search operations proceed, authorities have recovered 169 bodies, with six of these identified by September 6. Nepal Police have requested relatives of missing Nepali and foreign nationals to provide DNA samples for identification purposes. When possible, samples from first-degree relatives are preferred. Families outside Nepal can send DNA data electronically for comparison with recovered remains. The authorities are updating missing-person reports and identification records as new information becomes available from ongoing field reports.
Rescue and Relief Efforts Combined in Flood Response
Nepal’s Ministry of Home Affairs reported that the Bhote Koshi River flood impacted Rasuwa around 8:40 a.m. on August 26. The flooding also affected riverbank communities in Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. The government immediately launched search, rescue, and emergency relief missions. Damage assessments show destruction to roads, bridges, homes, schools, banks, and hydropower facilities. Relief teams are actively distributing supplies while officials evaluate the damage across affected regions.
The UAE’s efforts remain concentrated on locating flood zones, conducting aerial surveys, and creating detailed maps to aid ground crews. Relief workers are also providing food parcels and essential items in communities impacted by floods and landslides. Meanwhile, Nepali authorities continue their rescue, recovery, and victim identification operations across Rasuwa, maintaining updated records of missing individuals. As of September 7, these figures are subject to revision as field teams report new findings from search efforts.