Nepal-Tibet floods: At least 55 Malaysians missing, Malaysian military ready to assist: Defence minister
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Nepali authorities said more than 300 foreigners are reported missing from the affected areas.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- At least 55 Malaysians are missing after severe floods in Nepal's Rasuwa district, with communication disruptions hindering contact efforts.
- Malaysia's embassy in Kathmandu is coordinating with local authorities and agencies to locate missing nationals and has activated an operations room for consular support.
- The Malaysian military is ready to assist in humanitarian efforts pending government approval, emphasising their preparedness to support peace-related missions.
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KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 55 Malaysians are among hundreds of people still missing after massive floods hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district, destroying villages and leaving at least 160 dead.
Based on the latest information received from family members, travel agencies and other relevant sources, Malaysia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Aug 27 that 55 Malaysians reported to its embassy in Kathmandu are currently uncontactable following the floods.
The ministry said severe disruptions to communication and electricity networks in the affected areas may be contributing to the difficulties in establishing contact.
It said its embassy in Kathmandu is in close communication with the Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies and major hospitals in Kathmandu to ascertain the safety and whereabouts of the Malaysian nationals involved.
“At this stage, the ministry has not received any official confirmation of Malaysian casualties,” it said in a statement.
The ministry has taken immediate steps to strengthen its consular response, including the deployment of an officer from another Malaysian Mission in the region to support the embassy in Kathmandu.
It has also activated its operations room in Putrajaya effective from 12pm on Aug 27 to coordinate information and provide a direct channel of communication for Malaysians in the affected areas and their families.
It advised Malaysians living in or travelling through Nepal, particularly those near the affected areas, to remain vigilant, prioritise their safety and comply with instructions from local authorities.
They are also urged to register and update their contact details through the e-Konsular portal to enable timely communication and consular assistance.
For immediate consular assistance or those with relevant information are urged to contact the ministry’s operations room at +60388874570 or e-mail dutyofficer@kln.gov.my
The ministry said it would continue monitoring developments and provide updates.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian military is ready to assist in any humanitarian effort, subject to a government decision, said Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
“The Armed Forces is prepared to contribute its expertise and capabilities to peace-related missions (for the Nepal floods),” he told reporters on Aug 27.
“However, we wait for a decision by the government to see if it decides that the involvement (of the Armed Forces) is required.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
