KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 — Fifty-seven Malaysians are currently uncontactable following devastating floods in Nepal’s Rasuwa district, with Wisma Putra’s Operations Room now operating around the clock as diplomatic missions cross-check reports with Nepalese authorities.
Wisma Putra, Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, said in a statement on Friday that the latest figure was based on reports received from family members, friends and employers as of 11 pm on Aug 27.
Malaysian diplomatic missions in the region are cross-checking the reports against information obtained from relevant Nepalese authorities and agencies, while also working with the Emergency Response Team of Nepal’s Foreign Ministry and the Nepal Tourism Board to verify information on those who remain uncontactable, it said.
The ministry said local authorities had reported the rescue of 31 foreign nationals thus far.
“At this stage, the ministry has not received confirmation that any Malaysians are among those rescued,” it said.
Wisma Putra said it had also received information that Malaysian nationals may have entered the affected areas through neighbouring China and India.
“In view of this, family members of Malaysians travelling in the wider region who have yet to register their presence are urged to provide their details to the ministry,” it said.
The ministry’s Operations Room in Putrajaya is now operating on a 24-hour basis until further notice to coordinate information and provide direct support to Malaysians in the affected areas and their families.
Family members with relevant information, including full names, passport numbers, travel itineraries, last known locations and contactable telephone numbers, are urged to contact the ministry at +603 8887 4570 (telephone) or [email protected] (email).
They may also provide the relevant details directly to the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu via email at [email protected], with a copy sent to the ministry’s Operations Room.
Malaysians are also urged to register and regularly update their contact details via the e-Konsular portal at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.
“Malaysians residing in or travelling through Nepal, particularly those in or near the affected areas, are strongly advised to remain vigilant, prioritise their personal safety and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities,” said Wisma Putra.
The floods, which struck on Wednesday morning, have claimed more than 400 lives, with more than 800 others, including hundreds of foreign tourists, still unaccounted for as search and rescue operations continue amid widespread damage to roads and communication disruptions.
In Nepal, police, security agencies, local authorities and residents continue search and rescue operations across the flood-affected areas, while families are also being evacuated from locations at risk of further flooding.
With road access severely disrupted and communications cut off across much of the affected region, helicopters are being used extensively in ongoing operations.
Individuals requiring immediate medical attention are being airlifted to major hospitals in Kathmandu, while those with minor injuries are being treated at medical camps in the affected areas. — Bernama
