Safe return of solo Malaysian after 37 days in Nepal floods offers hope to 54 still missing

On October 2, one of the 55 Malaysians reported missing during floods and landslides in Nepal last August has been confirmed safe and returned to Malaysia. The Malaysian Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH) spokesman, Dr Manivannan Rethinam, revealed that the individual traveled to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu on his own before departing for home and arriving in Malaysia this morning.

The Foreign Ministry informed the families through the WhatsApp group 'KLN-NOK', but the man's name remains undisclosed. Dr Rethinam noted that this solo traveler was the only one among the original 55 who has been confirmed safe. He explained that the man was last seen at Nagthali Viewpoint on August 25, a day before the disaster struck, and that the area is at a higher elevation than the affected Rasuwagadhi region.

The man's survival is significant, as he was stranded due to destroyed roads, bridges, and a lack of essential infrastructure, which impeded communication and access to basic services. Dr Rethinam emphasized that this development highlights the possibility of other victims being safe but uncontactable due to the same issues. MASFIH spokesperson Dr Rethinam stated that while 54 Malaysians remain missing, including those traveling in separate groups, this safe return offers renewed hope to their families.

He expressed optimism that this event could encourage the other 54 families to remain hopeful that their loved ones may also return safely. The devastating floods and debris flows on August 26 were caused by glacial ice and rock collapses in Tibet's Lhende Khola catchment area, resulting in over 1,450 deaths and leaving thousands unaccounted for.