KUALA LUMPUR, July 14 — Ten Malaysians who were evacuated from the flood-hit Indian state of Himachal Pradesh are expected to arrive at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at around 10pm tonight.

The Foreign Ministry said the group had departed from the Indira Gandhi International Airport at 1.56pm (local time) on Malaysia Airlines flight MH173.

The group’s flight arrangements were coordinated by the Malaysian High Commission in New Delhi in collaboration with Malaysian Airlines after the hikers arrived in Manali on Friday morning.

"We thank the diplomatic mission in New Delhi and the Indian government authorities for their concerted efforts and prompt action. The group was successfully evacuated from Manali in a 23-hour land journey on Thursday morning (July 13),” Wisma Putra said in a statement today.

Wisma Putra thanked all parties involved in the efforts to bring the group home, especially the government of India for their cooperation and commitment in repatriating the Malaysians.

The ministry urged Malaysians who are abroad to register with Malaysian representative offices in the countries they are visiting to ensure that proper consular assistance can be provided, especially in disaster situations.

It was earlier reported that 12 Malaysian hikers were missing in the Indian state as their families had lost contact with them.

Heavy monsoon rains have caused flooding and landslides in parts of northern India, with the state of Himachal Pradesh being the worst affected. — Bernama