Red Cross launches US$31mil appeal for Nepal disaster response

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Fifty-seven Malaysians remain untraceable following catastrophic floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, according to Wisma Putra, Malaysia's Foreign Ministry. The Operations Room at Wisma Putra is working around the clock, in coordination with Nepalese authorities and emergency response teams, to verify reports and locate the missing citizens.

The ministry received updates from family members, friends, and employers as of 11 PM on Aug 27 about the missing individuals. As of now, local authorities have confirmed the rescue of 31 foreign nationals, but there is no confirmation that any Malaysians are among the rescued. Wisma Putra also noted that some Malaysians might have crossed into the affected regions via neighboring China and India.

The ministry urges unregistered Malaysians, including those with passport numbers and travel itineraries, to contact the embassy for assistance or to submit information directly to the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu. The floods, which began on Wednesday morning, have resulted in over 400 deaths and left over 800 people, including numerous foreign tourists, missing as rescue efforts continue amidst damaged roads and communication blackouts.

Nepalese authorities are conducting extensive search and rescue operations using helicopters, while families are being evacuated from high-risk areas. Due to the disruption of transportation and communication networks, the ministry advises Malaysians in Nepal, especially those near the affected areas, to remain cautious, prioritize personal safety, and follow the instructions of local authorities.