Families await news of 26 Malaysians missing after Nepal-Tibet floods

Families in Malaysia are anxiously awaiting news about 26 of their loved ones who are missing after severe floods along the Nepal-Tibet border. The group of 26 Malaysians were on a spiritual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a journey that was scheduled to last 14 days and would end on September 6.

The group was en route to Tibet when they lost contact with their families on September 4, after reaching a border crossing in Nepal where flooding was reported around 8:30 am. The families had received the group's last photograph at 8 am, but have been unable to contact any of the 26 travelers since then. Attempts to reach the group's travel agent, hotel, and the trip organizers yielded no information about the travelers' condition.

The families have been informed that about 40km of roads in the affected area have been damaged, making search and rescue operations reliant on helicopter assistance. They have also contacted the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, who confirmed that as of 8:30 am today, no Malaysians have been rescued or found.

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu has stated that they are coordinating with relevant authorities to provide assistance following the devastating floods. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has directed relevant authorities to immediately coordinate assistance amid concern for the missing Malaysian travelers. Meanwhile, a separate group of 56 Malaysians undertaking the Kailash Kora spiritual journey in Tibet has been confirmed safe and is continuing their journey as planned.