An Emirati search and rescue team landed in Nepal on Friday to deliver urgent humanitarian support following devastating flash floods that have killed more than 1,200 people and left thousands more missing.
The emergency task force was flown to the Himalayan country on a UAE relief plane carrying 20 tonnes of aid.
A glacier collapse and landslide caused flash flooding on August 26, leading to widespread destruction on the border between Nepal and the Chinese region of Tibet.
The crucial on-the-ground effort is part of a $10 million relief package announced last week, which is being delivered through the UAE Aid Agency under the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed.
The National reported this week that the UAE flew 83 tonnes of food supplies and shelter materials to Nepal. A second aircraft delivered 45 tonnes of relief supplies, including basic food items, essential goods and power generators.
The third Emirati aircraft was received by Mahabir Pun, Nepal's Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation; Joint Secretary Ram Kaji Khadka, Division Head of Central Asia, West Asia and Africa at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Abdullah Al Shamsi, UAE Ambassador to Nepal; and Dr Ahmed Al Mansouri, director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.
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Emergency workers carry a survivor found in a tunnel at the Trishuli-3A hydropower project in Nepal. Reuters -
A survivor is rescued from a tunnel at a hydropower plant, after the devastating flash flood in Nepal. EPA -
The Nepali search operation has been focused on tunnels at the country's hydropower sites. Reuters -
A hydropower tunnel survivor is flown to Kathmandu to receive treatment. Reuters -
A survivor found at the the Trishuli-3A hydropower site. Thousands of people are still missing in Nepal. Reuters -
A worker rescued from a hydropower tunnel in the flood-hit Rasuwa district of Nepal. EPA -
A survivor is carried to safety at a tunnel in the Rasuwa district. Reuters -
Nepali authorities are searching for survivors after the flash flood that has left more than 1,000 dead. Reuters -
A rescued worker is treated outside a tunnel at the hydropower site in the Rasuwa district, which was devastated by the flood. EPA
Mr Al Shamsi said the UAE relief mission aimed to bolster response operations in affected areas and assist search and rescue operations in co-ordination with the Nepalese authorities.
The specialist team comprises members of the UAE Joint Operations Command, the Dubai Police search and rescue team and the UAE Aid Agency. The mission includes experts in disaster relief, medical evacuation and first aid.
