Several NRIs, OCIs missing in Nepal floods as frantic family calls hit cellphone connectivity hurdle

Fifty-seven Malaysians have yet to be located following catastrophic flooding in Nepal's Rasuwa district, authorities reported on Wednesday evening. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry received alerts from family members, friends, and employers about the missing individuals as of 11 PM the previous day. Diplomatic representatives from Malaysia are collaborating with Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies to corroborate the information and trace those still unreachable.

Nepalese officials have confirmed the rescue of 31 foreign nationals thus far, although the Malaysian mission has not yet verified if any of the missing are among them. The ministry has also received indications that some Malaysians may have crossed into the disaster-struck zones via China and India. In response, Malaysian diplomatic representatives are liaising with Nepal's Emergency Response Team and the Nepal Tourism Board to cross-examine the details pertaining to the Malaysians presumed to be in the impacted regions.

The ongoing search and rescue operations are spearheaded by police, security agencies, local authorities, and residents. However, access to certain affected areas has been impeded by significant damage to roads and communication disruptions. Helicopters are extensively utilized to bolster search and rescue activities. Individuals requiring immediate medical assistance are being airlifted to primary hospitals in Kathmandu, while those with less severe injuries are receiving treatment at medical facilities in the afflicted areas.

The Malaysian Operations Room in Putrajaya remains operational 24/7 to coordinate information and aid Malaysians in the disaster zone and their families. Families possessing any information on the missing Malaysians are urged to contact the Operations Room via +603 8887 4570 or [email protected], providing the individual's full name, passport number, travel itinerary, last known location, and contact number.

Alternately, information can be forwarded to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu at [email protected]. The ministry strongly advises Malaysians residing in or traveling to Nepal, especially those in or around the affected regions, to maintain vigilance, prioritize safety, and adhere to instructions from local authorities. Malaysians are also encouraged to register with the ministry and update their contact details via the e-Konsular portal.