Gift of the Givers mobilises to locate missing South African couple in Nepal floods

In the aftermath of Nepal's devastating floods, the non-profit Gift of the Givers has received a call from the daughter of a missing South African couple, requesting assistance in locating them. The couple was on holiday and the daughter had been familiar to the organization. Founder and chairperson Dr Imtiaz Sooliman confirmed that the couple and several international tourists are among the missing.

Sooliman explained that helicopter access was the only viable option due to the destruction of all roads by the floodwaters. However, landing was not currently possible as the high water levels left no solid ground. Gift of the Givers is aware of other South Africans in the region but maintains that they are safe.

Ahmed Bham, Gift of the Givers' head of search and rescue, is in communication with the Nepalese Disaster Management, which has a relationship with the organization following their aid efforts during the Nepal earthquake in 2015. The organization suggests that teams should remain on standby and not travel as the government has not yet requested international assistance.

However, there is a significant risk of a dam collapse, posing a grave threat to any rescue teams. Gift of the Givers has 11 urban search and water rescue team members, four SAPS dog handlers and four dogs ready for deployment. They are in contact with the Nepalese Embassy in South Africa, which is prepared to process visas immediately, but are waiting for a call for international assistance before proceeding.

The disaster site is 125km from Kathmandu and all operations will be managed from there by the military. Gift of the Givers is coordinating with airline companies for logistical arrangements and will seek diplomatic support from DIRCO if the teams are deployed.