Missing SA tourists: Gift of the Givers ready for Nepal rescue mission

Gift of the Givers, a non-profit organisation based in South Africa, is preparing for a potential rescue mission in Nepal following devastating floods that have left many missing. The organisation was contacted by the daughter of one of the missing South African tourists, who confirmed the couple's presence on holiday. Gift of the Givers' founder and chairperson, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, stated that a helicopter survey was the only feasible method of access due to the destruction of all roads by the floodwaters.

While the Nepalese government has not yet requested international assistance, Sooliman said that Gift of the Givers has 11 urban search and water rescue team members, along with four SAPS dog handlers and four dogs, ready for deployment. The group is in communication with the Nepalese Disaster Management and the Nepalese Embassy in South Africa, and is awaiting a call for international assistance before proceeding.

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