United Sikhs Malaysia head into Nepal’s worst-hit flood zone to help 98 kids whose parents are missing (VIDEO)

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 6 - Five volunteers from United Sikhs Malaysia are embarking on a journey into Nepal's most severely affected flood zone. The Malaysian humanitarian aid organization, known for disaster relief and community assistance, will transport essential supplies and assist families impacted by floods and landslides. The team will set up a base camp in Dhunche, located in Rasuwa district, before proceeding to Syapru Besi, situated near the Nepal-Tibet border.

Their journey to Dhunche is projected to last between 10 and 12 hours, after which they will face challenging off-road conditions to reach their destination, approximately 40km away from the border. Upon arrival, the team's primary objective will be to construct temporary shelters for families displaced by the disaster, according to Raspreet Kaur, the legal director of United Sikhs Malaysia.

Additionally, a local resident has requested assistance for 98 children whose parents are still missing, and the team intends to provide essential items such as coloring materials. The volunteers previously prepared mosquito nets and tarpaulins, valued at around RM28,000, for approximately 300 affected families, which were delivered to a gurdwara in Kathmandu.

Team A is anticipated to remain in Nepal for about two weeks, while other teams remain on standby, prepared to respond to the evolving situation. United Sikhs Malaysia's mission is part of a broader response from Malaysian teams and organizations. Mercy Malaysia has dispatched a humanitarian assessment team to Nepal to evaluate conditions on the ground and pinpoint urgent needs, including emergency shelter, food, clean water, sanitation, and healthcare.

Moreover, Malaysia has deployed 11 officers and personnel from the Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to aid search-and-rescue operations in flood-affected areas. The 10-day SMART mission is expected to encompass operations in regions where individuals may still be trapped, in addition to assisting with locating Malaysians impacted by the disaster.

The Malaysian government has pledged a sum of US$1 million (RM4.2 million) to aid Nepal's disaster victims and support recovery initiatives. The disaster has severely disrupted access to communities in Rasuwa, as floods and landslides have damaged roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure, complicating relief efforts.