17 Malaysians missing near Nepal-Tibet border after flash floods

A group of 17 Malaysian nationals on a religious pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet are currently unaccounted for following severe flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border. Families in Malaysia are increasingly concerned as communication with the group has been lost for over 24 hours.

The pilgrims, who arrived in Nepal on August 23 and were scheduled to continue their journey until September 5, are being managed by Fishtail Tours & Travels, a travel agency based in Nepal. The last known contact with the group was around 8:18 AM Nepal time on August 27, when they were reportedly about two kilometers from the Nepal-Tibet immigration checkpoint.

Wisma Putra, Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that 55 Malaysians registered with the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu are currently unreachable. The embassy is working closely with Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, and the travel agency to ensure the safety and whereabouts of the affected Malaysians. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has directed all relevant departments to expedite efforts to identify and contact the missing individuals.

The flash floods, caused by heavy rainfall and glacial meltwater, have affected areas in Nepal's Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts. The disaster has disrupted communication networks and severed the main road connecting the affected regions to the capital, Kathmandu. This has significantly hampered rescue operations and access to those impacted.

Meanwhile, another group of 56 people, including 39 Malaysians, led by Everest climber Datuk N. Mohanadas, has been confirmed safe in Tibet and is continuing their pilgrimage without incident. This news offers a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing search for the missing pilgrims.