The Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (Smart) is set to conclude its deployment in Nepal following flash floods, leaving families of missing citizens demanding a detailed accounting of surveyed debris fields. According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the deployment nears its end as search operations reach practical limits, though Nepali authorities have yet to officially close operations with thousands still unaccounted for.
Family Pleas for Cleared Sector Data
The impending withdrawal of the 11-member Smart team, scheduled to return to Malaysia on Saturday or Sunday as reported by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, has heightened anxiety among relatives. Kalaiselvi remains missing, stated that families understand the severe logistical and terrain constraints faced by rescuers on the ground. According to Bernama, the family requested a clear picture of the debris and forest areas systematically surveyed before the team withdraws.
“As the next of kin, we request that the relevant parties share a clear picture of the debris or forest areas that have been systematically surveyed before the Smart team is withdrawn,” Kritika said, emphasizing that detailed field activity results are vital during this difficult time. Kalaiselvi was among 27 Malaysians who traveled to Mount Kailash in Tibet, China, for religious rituals before losing contact during the natural disaster in the Rasuwa district.
Did you know? According to government figures reported across outlets, a total of 77 Malaysians were found safe in Tibet and Nepal following the disaster and brought to Kathmandu for repatriation, while 55 remained unaccounted for after flash floods struck the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts on Aug 26, triggered by a glacial collapse.
Deployment Timeline and Criticism From Advocacy Groups
The timing of the rescue mission has drawn scrutiny from family representatives. Manivannan argued that the team would have achieved higher effectiveness if deployed within the initial 24 to 72 hours, noting that the rescue personnel arrived on site well over a week after the initial catastrophe. According to the sources, Manivannan questioned the operational impact of a deployment occurring on the eleventh or twelfth day following the event.
Despite timing concerns, families acknowledged the expertise of the Malaysian personnel. Chandran—whose sibling Lingam Samikanu, 49, remains missing—noted that the presence of the team provided a vital conduit for direct information from the disaster zone. Families utilized GPS coordinates, communication records, and photos gathered since the first day of the tragedy to assist the search effort.
Current Status of Search and Rescue Operations
While the Malaysian contingent prepares to depart due to diminishing operational returns, the broader search framework managed by Nepal remains active. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan noted that the Nepalese government has not officially concluded local SAR operations because approximately 5,000 individuals remain categorized as unaccounted for in the wake of the glacial collapse and subsequent floods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Smart team returning to Malaysia?
According to Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, the search and rescue operations have neared their end with limited remaining options for the team to execute on the ground.
How many Malaysians were affected by the Nepal floods?
Government figures show that 77 Malaysians were found safe and processed for repatriation to Malaysia, while 55 individuals remained unaccounted for following the Aug 26 disaster.
What are the families requesting from authorities?
According to statements gathered by Bernama, families like Kritikaa Joyce De Brito’s are asking for detailed breakdowns of specific forest and debris sectors systematically surveyed by rescue personnel before teams pull out.
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