The United Arab Emirates has dispatched its third relief aircraft to the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to support emergency operations following destructive floods and landslides that have caused numerous casualties and extensive damage. This latest flight delivered a specialized search and rescue unit alongside 20 tonnes of relief supplies, increasing the total volume of UAE aid sent to Nepal to 148 tonnes.
Upon landing in Kathmandu, the aircraft was received by Dr. Mahabir Pun, Nepal’s Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation; Joint Secretary Ram Kaji Khadka from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Abdullah Al Shamsi, the UAE Ambassador to Nepal; and Dr. Ahmed Al Mansouri, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency.
According to UAE Ambassador Abdullah Al Shamsi, the ongoing flights are part of a US$10 million aid package directed by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The funding is managed through the UAE Aid Agency as an emergency air bridge to assist local recovery efforts, bolster search operations, and supply critical medical and essential provisions to the affected populations.
Dr. Hammoud Al Afari, Director of UAE Relief Operations, highlighted that the newly arrived search and rescue team is a specialized unit from the Dubai Police, outfitted with sophisticated technology to navigate the disaster zones. Additionally, relief coordinators are actively procuring extra supplies from local markets within Nepal to accelerate the delivery of essential resources to those in immediate need.
