The Foreign Ministry is tracking 57 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following devastating floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa District, as search and rescue (SAR) efforts intensify amid severely disrupted roads and communications.
As of 11pm on Aug 27, the ministry said it had received reports from family members, friends and employers concerning the 57 Malaysians and is cross-checking the information with Nepalese authorities and agencies.
Nepalese authorities have so far rescued 31 foreign nationals, but the ministry said there is currently no confirmation that any Malaysians are among those rescued.
The ministry has also received information that some Malaysians may have entered the affected areas through neighbouring China and India, prompting calls for families of unregistered travellers in the wider region to come forward with their details.
Malaysian diplomatic missions are working with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry Emergency Response Team and the Nepal Tourism Board to verify information on those who remain uncontactable.
SAR operations involving police, security agencies, local authorities and residents are continuing across the flood-hit areas. With roads cut off and communications disrupted, helicopters are being deployed extensively to evacuate residents and airlift those requiring urgent treatment to hospitals in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, the ministry also revealed that it has activated its Operations Room in Putrajaya on a 24-hour basis until further notice to coordinate information and assist affected Malaysians and their families.
Family members with information are urged to provide full names, passport numbers, travel itineraries, last known locations and contact numbers to the Operations Room at +603 8887 4570 or [email protected].
Details can also be submitted to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu at [email protected], with a copy sent to the Operations Room.
Malaysians in Nepal, particularly those near affected areas, have been advised to remain vigilant, follow local authorities’ instructions and keep their details updated through the e-Konsular portal.
