Kuala Lumpur, Sep 8: A five-member United Sikhs Malaysia relief team endured a gruelling 16-hour journey through damaged roads, mud traps and difficult mountain terrain to reach flood-hit areas of Nepal and assess the needs of affected communities.
The team, led by United Sikhs Malaysia Vice-President Mandeep Singh, travelled from Kathmandu to Dhunche through unpaved and narrow routes, with limited availability of food and fuel.
After establishing an operational base in Dhunche at midnight on September 6, the team proceeded to Syafrubesi, around 40 km from the Tibet border, to conduct a preliminary assessment of the devastation and identify the immediate requirements of flood victims.
“The alternative route to Syafrubesi, located about 40 kilometres from the Tibet border, was in severe condition, with many vehicles, including ours, getting stuck in the mud,” Mandeep said.
“Most of the route is single-lane, making movement extremely slow, unpredictable and requiring meticulous planning. Access to food and fuel was also very limited throughout the journey,” he said.
The two main routes leading to Syafrubesi have been severely damaged. The 42-km hydro road from Betrawati, which runs along the river, was completely washed away, while the alternative route was cut off about two km before the area leading to the border junction.
Describing the scale of destruction, Mandeep said the situation in Syafrubesi was catastrophic, with the flood surge estimated to have reached between 225 and 250 feet, equivalent to the height of a 22-storey building.
“The destruction in Syafrubesi is catastrophic. The water surge was estimated to have reached between 225 and 250 feet, almost equivalent to the height of a 22-storey building,” he said.
Team A is currently conducting surveys across a 95-km stretch along the Trishuli River and will distribute emergency supplies, including tarpaulins, temporary tents and mosquito nets, to victims in areas that remain accessible.
The team plans to document and verify the needs of affected communities before handing over the survey findings to another relief team.
“Team A will hand over all verified survey data to Team B, which is expected to arrive by Sept 11 at the latest, to take over and continue aid distribution,” Mandeep said.
Meanwhile, local rescue teams are continuing search and rescue operations in the flood-affected areas. United Sikhs Malaysia is also coordinating with volunteers on the ground to collect information about Malaysians who remain missing.
The relief mission comes amid a massive humanitarian crisis in Nepal, where the devastating floods have reportedly claimed 1,357 lives, while 5,326 people remain missing.
With key roads and infrastructure washed away, relief teams face major logistical challenges in reaching isolated communities. The United Sikhs Malaysia team is relying on ground surveys and local coordination to identify accessible areas where emergency supplies can be delivered.
