2 hrs ago

Australia Sends Drone Specialists to Nepal Search for Missing Citizens

Severe floods struck Nepal after a glacier collapsed on August 26.

More than 1,200 people have died, and about 5,000 people are still missing.

Australia is sending a team to help search for survivors.

The team has 15 members, mostly people who operate special drones.

The drones can look over large areas and enter places rescuers may not be able to reach.

Seven Australian police specialists will also help identify victims.

Australia says 36 of its citizens are still missing, although two people were recently found safe.

Nepal asked other countries for specialized technical help, and rescue workers are continuing their search.

Key facts

Australian response team: 15 members, predominantly drone pilots from state emergency services.
Additional specialists: Seven Australian Federal Police disaster victim identification specialists were due to arrive on Saturday.
Australian citizens missing: 36 remained unaccounted for after two were confirmed safe overnight.
Overall deaths: More than 1,200 people were confirmed dead.
Overall missing: About 5,000 people remained missing, including 583 foreign nationals according to Nepal’s government.
Triggering event: A glacier collapse on August 26 triggered the floods.
Existing Australian personnel: Nineteen Australians were already in Nepal, including consular officers, humanitarian police, and defence and police personnel.

theprint.in · 3 hrs ago