UAE Emergency Team Rescues Six Survivors in Flood-Hit Nepal Two Weeks After Disaster

An UAE emergency response team assisting the crucial search for survivors in flood-hit Nepal has successfully rescued six missing people, more than two weeks after the natural disaster struck.

The Emirati search and rescue team, which arrived in the Himalayan country on Friday, joined forces with Nepali authorities to carry out the critical mission in the Trishuli area of Nepal. The humanitarian task force is continuing to support critical operations in both Trishuli and Rasuwa, using advanced equipment and technologies to boost efforts to save lives. The team is deploying drones for surveying, aerial imaging, and three-dimensional mapping to enhance search and rescue operations and improve access to targeted locations.

The death toll from the severe floods and mudslides that swept Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet on August 26 has crossed 1,300, with thousands more still missing. Hammoud Al Afari, director of UAE Relief Operations, stated that the Emirati team is providing key knowledge and expertise to Nepali authorities. The emergency response team comprises members of the UAE Joint Operations Command, the Dubai Police search and rescue team, and the UAE Aid Agency, with a mission that includes experts in disaster relief, medical evacuation, and first aid.

The rescue of the six missing individuals has delivered new hope as emergency teams continue to work around the clock and navigate challenging conditions in Nepal. Previously, The National reported that two men, Sanjaya Shah and Kabir Maharjan, were pulled out alive from a tunnel linked to the Upper Trishuli 3A Hydropower Station nine days after the flash floods before being airlifted to an army hospital in Kathmandu. The body of a third person was also recovered from the site.

Meanwhile, the UAE is continuing to provide essential aid to offer a lifeline to those worst affected by the devastating floods. Dubai's humanitarian relief hub sent 74 tonnes of critical aid to Nepal on Tuesday. These essential supplies from Dubai Humanitarian—including tents, shelter materials, medicines, hygiene kits, and winter kits—were airlifted on a Boeing 777-F operated by Emirates SkyCargo, bound for Kathmandu. The Emirates had already delivered 184 tonnes of aid to Nepal under a $10 million relief response package ordered by President Sheikh Mohamed.