Nine Singaporeans Are Still Missing After Nepal Floods — Now Singapore Is Sending a Specialized Team Into the Disaster Zone
SINGAPORE — The search for nine Singaporeans who remain missing after the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border has entered another critical phase, with Singapore and Nepali authorities continuing a coordinated effort to locate them.
More than a week after the devastating Aug. 26 floods, the nine Singaporeans remain unaccounted for, Singapore Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Gan Siow Huang confirmed on Friday, Sept. 4.
Speaking at the handover of Singapore's humanitarian assistance to Nepal, Gan said Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has maintained a crisis response team on the ground since Aug. 27 and is working closely with Nepali authorities to locate the missing Singaporeans.
MFA has also remained in contact with their families, providing updates, assistance in Nepal and other forms of support.
“Even as we speak, search and rescue teams in affected areas are still searching for those who are missing and remain unaccounted for, and this includes nine Singaporeans,” Gan said.
Nine Singaporeans remain unaccounted for
The nine Singaporeans identified by Nepali authorities are Shubakshi Rawla, Sumit Rawla, Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan and Subramaniam Diraviam.
Several were travelling in organised pilgrimage or trekking groups when the disaster struck.
The Rawla couple, Shubakshi and Sumit, had travelled to Nepal for a Kailash Yatra pilgrimage. Their daughters previously appealed publicly for information after losing contact with their parents, who were last known to be in the Rasuwagadhi border area.
Earlier reports also linked other missing Singaporeans to trekking and pilgrimage operators, including Himalayan Glacier and groups operating under Leaf Holiday.
Singapore deploys disaster victim identification specialists
Singapore's response has now expanded beyond consular assistance.
The Singapore Police Force is deploying officers specialising in Disaster Victim Identification (DVI), supported by Singapore's Home Team Science and Technology Agency and the Health Sciences Authority.
The team will also provide aerial surveillance assistance, following a request from Nepali authorities.
Singapore police have also been collecting DNA samples from family members of the missing Singaporeans. Authorities said the samples could assist in identifying victims recovered during the ongoing disaster response.
The development does not itself confirm that any of the nine missing Singaporeans have died. Rather, DNA collection is part of the wider disaster victim identification process being undertaken as bodies are recovered in difficult and heavily damaged areas.
Singapore sends S$560,000 in humanitarian assistance
Singapore is also stepping up its broader humanitarian response.
On Friday, the government handed Nepal a humanitarian assistance package worth approximately S$560,000.
The package includes medical supplies, DNA test kits, personal protective equipment and specialised equipment to support search, recovery and disaster victim identification operations.
This comes on top of Singapore's earlier US$100,000 contribution to the Singapore Red Cross' fundraising campaign for the Nepal disaster.
The Singapore Red Cross said more than S$3 million had been raised through the appeal as of Sept. 4, reflecting the strong public response to the disaster.
Disaster leaves thousands missing
The Singaporeans are among thousands of people still unaccounted for following the catastrophic flooding that struck the Nepal-China border region on Aug. 26.
The disaster devastated areas along major river systems, including the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli, sweeping away buildings, bridges, roads and other infrastructure.
International reporting has highlighted the extraordinary scale of the disaster, with people from numerous countries among those reported missing. Figures have changed repeatedly as authorities verify identities, recover victims and receive new information.
The destruction has also made the search exceptionally difficult. Large quantities of mud and debris have covered affected areas, while damaged infrastructure and difficult Himalayan terrain have complicated access for rescue teams.
Hopes remain as rescue operations continue
Despite the scale of the devastation, rescue operations have not stopped.
Recent reports have shown that survivors have still been found in damaged areas, including two workers rescued from a hydropower tunnel more than a week after the floods. The rescue has renewed hopes that other people may still be found alive in isolated or inaccessible locations.
At the same time, authorities continue recovery and identification operations as the death toll rises and thousands remain missing.
For the families of the nine Singaporeans, however, the search remains intensely personal.
For now, Singaporean and Nepali authorities have not announced the recovery of any of the nine missing Singaporeans.
The search continues — and authorities are now relying on specialist forensic teams, aerial surveillance, DNA identification and cooperation with families as efforts move into another crucial stage.