55 Malaysians Unaccounted For After Nepal Floods

The number of Malaysians caught in the devastating floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district could be higher than the initially reported 57, with concerns that some individuals may have entered the affected region via China and India. As of 7 p.m. yesterday, only two out of the 57 Malaysians involved had been accounted for, according to reports.

The Nepal Department of Tourism had listed 51 Malaysians as missing among the 668 individuals from various nationalities affected by the disaster. The floods have claimed at least 469 lives, with over 1,400 people still missing. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra) has received reports from families, friends, and employers regarding the 57 Malaysians who have not been reachable since the severe flooding.

Many of these Malaysians were reportedly traveling with tour agencies such as Kailash Journey, Leaf Holiday, Fishtail, and Dream Tibet Travel and Tour. The disaster caused widespread destruction, submerging towns, roads, and bridges as powerful currents carrying ice and rocks swept through the mountainous area. A group of scientists suggests that a massive glacial collapse and landslides are the likely causes of the flash floods that occurred last Wednesday.

Malaysia's diplomatic missions in the region are actively verifying information with Nepalese authorities and relevant agencies. While local authorities in Nepal reported the rescue of 31 foreign nationals, Wisma Putra has not yet confirmed if any Malaysians were among those rescued. The ministry is urging family members of Malaysians currently in or traveling through the affected region who have not yet registered to provide their details.

In coordination with Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Emergency Response Team and the Nepal Tourism Board, Malaysian diplomatic representatives are working to ascertain the whereabouts of the unaccounted-for Malaysians. Search and rescue operations, including helicopter evacuations, are ongoing in the flood-affected areas due to severe damage to land routes and communication disruptions. Those requiring immediate medical attention are being airlifted to major hospitals in Kathmandu.