Rescue efforts in Nepal could get harder after devastating floods

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 28 — Two of the 57 Malaysians previously untraceable following flash floods and landslides in Nepal have been safely located, while 55 others remain unreachable as of 2.22pm today. Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin, Deputy Secretary-General (Bilateral Affairs) of the Foreign Ministry, informed Bernama of the two individuals' safe status, but emphasized that their identity, location, and status required further cross-checking to avoid duplication of information.

Syed Mohamad Hasrin stated that the figure of 55 Malaysians still awaiting confirmation was subject to ongoing verification based on information from Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had instructed the ministry to intensify monitoring of rescue operations and bolster efforts to locate the remaining Malaysians.

A Malaysian High Commission official was dispatched to Kathmandu to assist the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal in coordinating information and liaising with Nepalese authorities. The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is collaborating with Nepalese authorities, the Nepalese Foreign Ministry’s emergency response team, the Nepal Tourism Board, and relevant agencies to gather and verify information on the unreachable Malaysians.

Nepalese authorities reported that 528 individuals had been rescued, including 490 Nepalese and 38 foreigners, but no Malaysians among them. The flash floods and landslides in Nepal's Rasua district occurred after the Bote Koshi River overflowed on August 26, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupting communication networks, making access to the affected areas difficult and hampering rescue efforts.

The ministry is closely monitoring safety warnings from Nepalese authorities regarding potential water overflows from border areas and the challenging conditions, including cut-off roads and damaged bridges, impacting search and rescue operations. The Foreign Ministry's operations room in Putrajaya operates 24 hours a day, coordinating information, assisting Malaysians in the affected areas, and providing updates to family members.

Every received call and piece of information must be cross-checked with Nepalese authorities and the ministry's internal records to prevent duplication or confusion. Malaysians with relevant information are urged to contact the Putrajaya Operations Room at +603 8887 4570 or email dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.