Pasukan SMART dihantar ke Nepal esok

On Sunday, Malaysia will dispatch the Specialized Search and Rescue Unit (SMART) to Nepal following official approval from the Nepalese government to assist in rescue operations due to recent floods and landslides that have caused over 1,280 deaths and more than 5,600 people missing, including at least 550 foreign nationals. The 11-member team will be equipped with high-altitude drones and specialized equipment to support operations led by Nepalese authorities in areas requiring technical expertise and specialized skills.

The deployment of the unit is contingent on operational needs and safety considerations. The ministry also reported that 55 Malaysians have not been contacted as of today. Additional troops from the ministry have already arrived in Kathmandu and are assisting the Malaysian consulate in coordinating efforts with Nepalese authorities in the search and identification of Malaysians still missing.

This includes aligning DNA sample usage for identification purposes. In Malaysia, search-related preparations are ongoing, encompassing the collection and analysis of DNA samples from closest relatives by police and the Malaysian Chemical Department, with cooperation from the relevant ministry. The ministry remains in direct contact with families and continues to relay the latest information as rescue efforts progress.

Individual information is being updated regularly with families, while public updates focus on confirmed facts only. The ministry noted that they continue to coordinate with the Chinese government via diplomatic channels regarding the possibility of conflicting reports involving Malaysians in Nepal and Tibet, China. Malaysia is prepared to provide specialized search and rescue expertise if needed by Chinese authorities, according to the statement.

On the same day, the death toll from the sudden heavy rain and landslides crossing the China-Nepal border rose to 1,220, with nearly 4,762 people, including 844 foreigners, still missing, according to Anadolu Agency data.