Mapim to deploy humanitarian mission to Nepal on Sept 5

Mapim to send aid mission to Nepal on September 5

IPOH, Aug 28 — The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organisations (Mapim) is set to dispatch a humanitarian mission to Nepal on September 5 in response to catastrophic flash floods. Mapim president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid revealed that the organization has reached out to the Nepalese Embassy to gain an initial understanding of the disaster's impact.

The mission's inaugural stage will consist of four Mapim volunteers who will evaluate the needs of the affected regions and arrange the necessary assistance. Mohd Azmi emphasized that Mapim is also seeking involvement from other local non-governmental organisations, with potential collaboration from humanitarian group MyCare and two other local Nepalese NGOs.

On August 26, an avalanche triggered flash floods in Nepal, resulting in at least 469 fatalities and over 1,400 people still missing, comprising nearly 540 foreigners. These catastrophic floods caused a destructive surge of rocks, ice, mud, and debris through Himalayan mountain rivers, inundating villages and critical infrastructure along a popular trekking route linking Kathmandu to Lhasa in Tibet.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 57 Malaysians remain unaccounted for since the incident, reported by family members, friends, and employers as of 11pm on August 27.

Mohd Azmi highlighted medical supplies as the top priority for the mission, followed by the distribution of basic food packs to victims. He expressed hope that the mission will demonstrate Malaysia's unity and support for the disaster victims. The specific details of the special mission will be officially communicated to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the near future.