[UPDATED] Foreign Ministry: Two Malaysians in Nepal located, 55 others unreachable

PUTRAJAYA: Two Malaysians among 57 previously untraceable individuals affected by Nepal's flash floods and landslides have been located, while 55 others remain unreachable as of 2:22pm today, according to a statement from Malaysia's Foreign Ministry. Deputy Secretary-General (bilateral affairs) Datuk Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin emphasized that the two individuals have been found, but their information is still being verified to prevent duplication in the list of Malaysians yet to be located.

Of the 57 Malaysians reported missing, two have been confirmed safe. The remaining 55 are yet to be verified, based on details obtained from Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan had directed the ministry to intensify efforts to locate the remaining Malaysians. The Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka has dispatched an official to Kathmandu to assist the embassy in Nepal, collaborating with Nepalese authorities and other relevant parties to gather and verify information on the unreachable Malaysians.

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is also working closely with Nepalese authorities, the Nepalese Foreign Ministry's emergency response team, the Nepal Tourism Board, and tour operators to obtain and confirm the whereabouts of the missing individuals. As of the latest reports, 528 people have been rescued, with no Malaysians among them.

The flood and landslide disaster in Nepal's Rasua district, triggered by the overflow of the Bote Koshi River on August 26, has caused extensive damage to infrastructure, making rescue operations challenging. The Foreign Ministry's operations room in Putrajaya is now working around the clock to coordinate information, assist Malaysians in the affected areas, and provide updates to their families.

Family members with pertinent information are encouraged to contact the operations room via phone or email to assist in the search and verification process.