Govt moves to join Nepal rescue as Malaysians remain missing after deadly floods

Malaysia has requested permission to deploy its Special Malaysia Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART) to Nepal as search efforts intensify for Malaysians still unaccounted for following deadly floods and landslides. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan discussed the proposed deployment with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal during a telephone conversation, focusing on the ongoing search-and-rescue (SAR) operation and efforts to locate Malaysians uncontactable.

Malaysia has also sought permission to mobilise the SMART to assist the SAR operation in Nepal. The disaster has resulted in 903 deaths, with 4,247 people still missing, including 933 workers trapped at 11 hydropower projects. Rescuers face challenges due to difficult terrain, bad weather, and a large volume of debris blocking access to tunnels.

Nepalese authorities have recovered three bodies from two tunnels, while rescue teams continue to work under adverse conditions to save lives. China reports 16 deaths and 546 people missing in Gyirong County, with over 90,000 affected and additional risks from landslides and unstable terrain.