Nepal floods: 55 Malaysians uncontactable, no casualties confirmed [WATCH]

KUALA LUMPUR: The Foreign Ministry remains unconfirmed of any Malaysian fatalities following torrential floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, it announced today. In parallel, 55 Malaysians registered as unreachable at the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu are presently untraceable due to the floods sparked by the Bhote Koshi River's overflow on August 26, the ministry stated.

The ministry disclosed that it has been vigilantly monitoring the situation, receiving intel from relatives, travel agencies, and other credible sources about the stranded Malaysians. Communication and power outages in the hit regions are believed to be hindering contact.

Local officials attribute the floods' devastation to roads, bridges, highways, and communication systems being severely damaged. Search and rescue missions continue despite the challenging access to the affected zones. The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is maintaining constant communication with Nepalese authorities, rescue squads, the Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies, and prominent hospitals in Kathmandu to determine the welfare and locations of the Malaysians.

To bolster its consular response, the ministry has sent an officer from another Malaysian mission in the region to augment the Kathmandu embassy's efforts. Additionally, the ministry launched its Operations Room in Putrajaya this afternoon to consolidate information and set up a direct communication line for Malaysians in disaster-struck areas and their kin.

The ministry conveyed its deepest sympathies to the Nepalese government and populace, especially the families of the deceased, and extended its condolences to all those impacted by the calamity.