SMART rescue team deployed to Nepal to find missing Malaysians

An 11-member Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has departed for Nepal to assist in search and rescue operations following devastating floods and landslides that began on August 26. The mission, which received approval from the Nepalese government, is expected to last approximately 10 days. The team, led by Commander Abdul Manaf Che Isa, traveled via a Royal Malaysian Air Force A400M aircraft carrying 12.4 tons of specialized equipment, including high-capacity drones, communication systems, and technical rescue tools.

The operation focuses on locating 55 Malaysians who remain missing. While the team will assist in all rescue efforts, priority is being given to areas where Malaysian citizens were last detected, including potential tunnel environments.

To aid in identification, Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan confirmed that DNA samples from the next-of-kin of the missing individuals have been collected and will be sent to Nepal for matching. Malaysia has also expressed readiness to deploy chemistry experts to assist Nepalese authorities with the DNA process if required. Families of the missing continue to express hope and urgency as the search enters its second week.