Nepal flood death toll rises to 547

Two Malaysians have been located safe after flash floods and landslides in Nepal, while 55 are still unaccounted for, according to the Malaysian foreign ministry. Their identities and details are being kept confidential pending further verification. The disaster, caused by a wall of water and mud, has resulted in over 1,400 casualties and has left more than 1,400 people missing across Nepal and Tibet.

Among those missing are trekkers in the Himalayas and numerous Hindu pilgrims. Nepalese authorities have reported the rescue of 490 Nepalese citizens and 38 foreigners so far, but no Malaysians have been confirmed among the rescued.

The Malaysian foreign ministry is intensifying efforts to locate the missing Malaysians, following instructions from the foreign minister. An official from the Malaysian high commission in Dhaka has been dispatched to Kathmandu to assist the Malaysian embassy in Nepal. The embassy is collaborating with Nepalese authorities, the tourism board, and tour operators to gather and verify information on the Malaysians.

The flash floods and landslides took place in Nepal's Rasuwa district, where the Bhote Koshi River overflowed, causing significant destruction to roads and bridges. This disruption has hindered access to the affected areas, thereby complicating rescue operations and data collection on Malaysians in the region. The situation remains challenging due to safety warnings issued by Nepalese authorities regarding the potential for additional water overflows in border areas.

The conditions in the affected areas continue to pose difficulties for search and rescue operations, with cut-off roads and damaged bridges further compounding the challenges.