Gift of the Givers mobilises for six missing South Africans in Nepal
Humanitarian organisation prepares search and rescue response amid devastating floods in Nepal
The Full Story
Six South Africans are unaccounted for following catastrophic floods in Nepal, triggering a swift response from Gift of the Givers, a leading humanitarian organisation in South Africa. Gift of the Givers has confirmed communication with the families of all six individuals, who travelled as part of a group in the affected area. Notably, a seventh South African, Sulosh Pillay, managed to escape to Tibet just before the floods struck.
Gift of the Givers' founder, Dr. Imtiaz Sooliman, indicated that the scale of the disaster appears to surpass initial reports, prompting urgent preparations for a search and rescue mission. Head of Search and Rescue, Ahmed Bham, has already engaged in discussions with Nepalese government officials, including the foreign minister and disaster management representatives, to outline the organisation's rescue capabilities.
These discussions highlighted the deployment of K9 search teams, which were instrumental during the aftermath of the earthquakes in April 2015. While Nepal currently possesses adequate medical resources, the organisation stands ready to dispatch medical support if the local authorities request it. Preparations for the rescue operation are underway, with Gift of the Givers assembling equipment in Johannesburg.
The search and rescue team, which includes SAPS dog handlers, is scheduled to convene at the organisation's logistics facility soon. Additionally, a second search and recovery team has been placed on standby. In a collaborative effort to locate the missing South Africans, Gift of the Givers is coordinating with local contacts, including Prashant Pokhrel, a South African music teacher residing in Nepal for several years.
Pokhrel has been instrumental in circulating photographs of the six missing individuals through regional media and leveraging local contacts in the disaster-affected area to assist in their search when conditions permit. At present, no confirmation of the deployment has been issued, as Gift of the Givers awaits a formal request from Nepalese authorities for international assistance. However, Nepalese officials have assured Gift of the Givers that they would grant priority to the South African rescue team should assistance be deemed necessary and welcomed.
Efforts are ongoing to locate the missing individuals amid challenging recovery operations, as the humanitarian organisation remains vigilant and prepared to offer critical support to those affected by the floods in Nepal. The situation remains fluid, and Gift of the Givers is prioritising readiness to respond as developments unfold, reinforcing their commitment to assisting in times of crisis across borders despite the lack of clarity on the exact circumstances of the missing individuals. In the meantime, the families of the missing South Africans await news, hoping for positive outcomes amidst the ongoing challenges of rescue operations in the earthquake and flood-ravaged region of Nepal. Gift of the Givers is renowned for its dedication to humanitarian efforts, both locally and internationally, and this operation extends their legacy of compassionate outreach in emergency situations.
Why It Matters
The response by Gift of the Givers highlights the vital role of humanitarian organisations in disaster relief, particularly for South Africans abroad in crisis situations. Their preparedness can significantly impact the outcomes for those missing and affected.
What's Next
As Gift of the Givers prepares its teams and equipment for potential deployment, all eyes are on Nepalese authorities who may formally request international assistance, which would facilitate the integration of the South African rescue team into local operations.