MFA in contact with families of S’poreans affected by Nepal floods, crisis response team deployed
Nepal’s Tourism Board said more than 500 foreigners remained out of contact on Aug 27.
The Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) is communicating with the families of Singaporeans impacted by the recent floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, while a crisis response team has been dispatched to provide consular aid. Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan disclosed on August 27th that the Singapore Government is assembling a humanitarian aid package to support relief efforts.
The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi and the Singapore Embassy in Beijing are cooperating closely with Nepali and Chinese authorities on the matter. As of August 27th, over 500 foreigners, including nine from Singapore, were untraceable following a catastrophic flood that swept through the Nepal-China border region more than 24 hours prior.
The Nepali authorities have cautioned that a blockage persists upstream on the Nepal-China border river, posing the risk of a second flood. The MFA advises Singaporeans in the affected regions to remain vigilant, monitor local news, and follow the guidance of local authorities. It is also urged that Singaporeans steer clear of flood-impacted zones, rivers, riverbanks, and low-lying areas.
Those seeking consular assistance may reach out to the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, the Singapore Embassy in Beijing, or the MFA's 24-hour duty office in Tanglin. The Singapore Red Cross, which pledged $50,000 in humanitarian aid on August 27th, has activated the Restoring Family Links service to aid in reconnecting families separated by the disaster.
Individuals who have lost contact with family members or have missing loved ones in Nepal or Tibet can seek assistance from the SRC, irrespective of their nationality, by contacting rfl@redcross.sg. Rescue teams ventured into the mud on August 27th to search for more than 1,400 individuals missing after flash floods and landslides affected the Nepal-Tibet border, with the death toll surging to at least 362 as of the report.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) attributed the disaster to a glacial collapse that unleashed a massive surge of icy debris.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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