Linggiu dam emergency plan to be reviewed after deadly Nepal floods

On August 25, Malaysian trekker Low Hock Meng embarked on his solo journey through Nepal's Tamang trail, Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda. He chose to visit Nagathali viewpoint to catch a glimpse of Tibet. On August 26, while descending towards Thuman for Lingling, Low noticed something amiss. The downstream town of Syapru Besi was inundated with floodwaters, and the bridges along his route had been swept away.

Electricity was disrupted, and phone contact was impossible. Guest houses were closed as well. Fearful of the impending danger, Low made a crucial decision to alter his path. He reached Thuman, where the situation was dire, with bridges gone and floodwaters raging through the village. Had he followed his original route, he would have been in the path of the deadly flash floods that swept through the region, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Low managed to escape the disaster, becoming the first of 55 missing Malaysians to return home. While he had trekked in Nepal before, including the Annapurna base camp trek and Everest base camp, this experience proved to be unlike any of his previous adventures. Upon reaching Thuman, Low was offered shelter by a young boy and his family.

The following evening, people began to arrive, crying in sorrow. Low was asked to join them on foot to their village, which was five hours away. Along the way, he encountered another Nepali man who knew of an alternative mountain pass leading to another village, where he could find transportation to Kathmandu or Pokhara. After reaching Tipling on September 3, Low managed to contact his family and inform them of his safety.

He kept in touch through the following days, piecing together information about the unfolding disaster. Low reached Kathmandu on September 11, but he decided not to leave Nepal immediately. He wanted to witness the aftermath of the floods and offer his support to the affected communities. During his stay, he faced additional challenges, including a snowstorm at Gosaikunda and a three-day stint stranded due to landslide-hit areas and disappearing trails.

Despite the hardships, Low relied on the local trails and the kindness of the people he encountered. His food sources were limited to food provided by the locals, primarily dal bhat and eggs. Upon returning to Kathmandu, Low checked in with the Malaysian embassy on October 1. The embassy was surprised but familiar with Low, as he had previously visited Malaysia.

Now back in Malaysia and reunited with his family, Low's story highlights the resilience and compassion of the Nepali people, who supported the stranded trekkers during this difficult time. However, the families of the 54 missing Malaysians continue to hope for their loved ones' safe return.