KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — Seventeen Malaysians travelling to Mount Kailash in Tibet, China, for a pilgrimage have been unreachable for more than 24 hours following devastating flash floods near the Nepal-Tibet border yesterday, raising concerns among their families.
R. Logadashini said four of her family members – her father S. Raman, 59; mother M. Neelavany, 54; uncle S. Murukan, 60; and aunt G. Padmahwathi, 58 – were among the 17 Malaysians in the group organised by Nepal-based Fishtail Tours & Travels.
She said the group arrived in Nepal on Aug 23 and was scheduled to continue its pilgrimage until Sept 5.
“The last direct communication with the tour group was recorded at about 8.18 am Nepal time yesterday (10.33 am Malaysian time), when they were reported to be about two kilometres from the Nepal-Tibet Immigration Checkpoint.
“After that, all contact with the group was lost. We tried contacting the agency and the Malaysian Embassy but, as of now, we have not received any information,” she said when contacted by Bernama.
She said her family’s last WhatsApp message was received at about 8.40 am Malaysian time yesterday.
Meanwhile, Wisma Putra said 55 Malaysians reported to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu were currently uncontactable following the floods, but it has not received any official confirmation of Malaysian casualties so far.
The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is working closely with the Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, travel agencies and other relevant parties to establish the safety and whereabouts of the Malaysians.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has ordered relevant government agencies to urgently locate and contact Malaysians affected by the floods, with Malaysian diplomatic missions in Kathmandu and New Delhi having been mobilised to assist.
Flash floods struck areas in Nepal’s Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts after heavy rain and a glacial collapse, disrupting communications and cutting off key roads linking the affected area with the capital, Kathmandu, hampering rescue efforts and access to those affected.
The route is commonly used by pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash and trekkers heading towards the Everest region.
Meanwhile, another group of Malaysian pilgrims led by legendary Malaysian Everest climber Datuk N. Mohanadas has been confirmed safe in Tibet.
Mohanadas said his group of 56 people, including 39 Malaysians, four Singaporeans and three Canadians, was unaffected by the floods and was continuing its pilgrimage safely.
“We were aware of the sudden downpour, flash floods and casualties at the Nepal-Tibet border. Thankfully, our group and our route have not been affected, and we are continuing our journey safely.
“We have started our first of three days of pilgrimage to Mount Kailash to perform the auspicious Kailash kora (circumambulation) trek,” he said. — Bernama
