Kathmandu: The MADANI Government has decided to deploy the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to Nepal to assist in search and rescue (SAR) operations following the devastating floods in the country.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the National Security Council (MKN) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), in collaboration with the Foreign Ministry, have been tasked with coordinating with the Nepalese government to facilitate the deployment of the team as soon as possible.

'The SMART team has also been tasked with locating and bringing home Malaysians affected by the disaster, as well as assisting the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal in coordinating aid and ensuring their safety and welfare,' Anwar said in a statement today.

Anwar further announced that Malaysia would contribute US$1 million to Nepal to assist those affected and support post-disaster recovery efforts.

Yesterday, the Foreign Ministry confirmed that 55 Malaysians remain uncontactable following the severe flash floods and landslides that struck Rasuwa district, Nepal, on August 26.