A total of 55 Malaysian nationals reported to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu are currently uncontactable following severe flooding in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra).
The ministry said severe disruptions to communication and electricity networks in the affected areas have hampered efforts to establish contact with the Malaysians and ascertain their safety.
“The Embassy is working closely with the Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, travel agencies and other relevant parties to ascertain their safety and whereabouts,” the ministry said in an update.
At this stage, there is no official confirmation of any Malaysian casualties, it added.
The latest update represents an increase from the 11 Malaysians reported uncontactable by the ministry on Wednesday, following the devastating floods in Rasuwa.
The disaster has caused widespread destruction across the mountainous region, with roads, bridges, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure severely affected. Nepalese authorities have been conducting search and rescue operations amid difficult conditions.
Wisma Putra said it has strengthened its consular response by deploying an additional officer to support the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu.
It has also activated its Operations Room in Putrajaya from noon today to coordinate the government’s response and facilitate assistance to Malaysians affected by the disaster.
