Malaysia’s Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) has deployed a 10-member unit to Dhunche, Nepal, to establish a forward base for drone surveillance operations in the ongoing search for 55 missing Malaysians. The team, led by Inspector Abdullah, arrived in Dhunche via an MI-17 helicopter from the Nepal Army Tactical Command in Trishuli on Tuesday.
According to Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim, director-general of the National Disaster Management Agency, the forward base in Dhunche will support aerial reconnaissance across four designated sectors within the Rasuwa district, including Timure, Syafrubesi, Dhunche, and Mailung. Drone surveillance will be conducted over two days, with two teams operating in the field. Each team consists of eight personnel, split evenly between SMART members and Nepal Army personnel.
Meor Ismail noted that frequent rainfall in the region is being carefully considered to ensure the effectiveness of aerial surveillance and the collection of photographic data. The teams are currently determining the most suitable operational methods given the challenging weather conditions.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised by the families of the missing Malaysians about inconsistencies in the search operation’s reported details. Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope spokesman Dr. Manivannan Rethinam voiced the families’ demand for clearer explanations regarding discrepancies between official reports on the victims’ last known locations and records of DNA sample collections.
Dr. Manivannan highlighted that the families believe the current search area does not align with their understanding of where the missing individuals were last seen. He emphasized that relatives had provided authorities with movement logs, timelines, and records of the victims’ final communications, but inconsistencies remain.
“Official statements indicate that SMART is focusing its surveillance efforts on an area linked to the victims’ last known locations. However, the families contend that none of the 55 missing individuals were reported to be near SMART’s current operational area,” Dr. Manivannan said in a statement.
He also questioned whether the government had access to additional tracking data or alternate coordinates not shared with the families.
The ongoing disaster in Nepal has resulted in over 1,300 confirmed deaths, with more than 5,000 people still reported missing. Among the missing are these 55 Malaysians who remain unaccounted for. Rescue and search efforts continue amid difficult terrain and weather challenges.