91 Malaysians still unaccounted for after Nepal-China floods

Fifteen months after devastating floods struck Nepal and China, 91 Malaysians remain missing, with 55 presumed dead in Nepal and 36 in China, according to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry. Rescue operations have been hindered by challenging terrain and logistical issues, leaving entire villages cut off and hundreds feared trapped beneath debris.

The floods, which occurred on August 26, 2025, affected remote areas along the Nepal-China border, including hydropower projects and tourist establishments. Families across Nepal are desperately searching for loved ones among the thousands still missing, with many unable to determine if their relatives have survived or were taken elsewhere.

Among them is Sukuntala Bhatta, whose 22-year-old son, Om Prakash Bhatta, worked at a hotel near the border. She has been unable to confirm whether her son survived or where he might be if alive. Authorities estimate nearly 3,000 people remain missing, a number expected to rise as search efforts expand. Nepali Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has requested specialized international assistance for rescue and recovery operations, including technical expertise for opening tunnels, heavy-duty drones for supply delivery, and forensic support for victim identification.

The scale of the devastation is described as immense, with families facing communication difficulties and authorities struggling to provide information. The Malaysian government urges the public to rely on official statements from Wisma Putra for updates and to respect the privacy of affected families. Malaysians seeking consular assistance can contact the ministry's 24-hour Operations Room.