KUALA LUMPUR: About a dozen Malaysians are among hundreds of people still missing after massive floods hit Nepal’s Rasuwa district, destroying villages and leaving at least 95 dead.
The Wisma Putra said that it had received reports from the embassy in Kathmandu that contact had been lost with 11 Malaysians believed to be in the badly-affected Rasuwa district, near the Nepal-China border.
Nepali authorities, however, said 17 Malaysians were among some 384 tourists – 291 of them foreigners – reported missing from the affected areas.
Houses, cars and buildings have been swept away in a deluge of water after an avalanche further in the snowy-mountains triggered massive floods in the valley.
The swollen river also caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, electricity and communication infrastructure in affected areas, causing loss of contact with Malaysians there, said Wisma Putra.
“The embassy is actively coordinating with local authorities and the search and rescue teams currently being deployed by the Nepalese government to locate the affected Malaysians and ascertain their safety,” the ministry said in a statement.
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 at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my to enable timely communication and consular assistance.
For immediate consular assistance or emergencies, Malaysian citizens are urged to contact the Embassy directly via its emergency helpline at +977-980-100-8000 or email mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my.
The ministry said it would continue monitoring developments and provide updates when verified information on the missing individuals becomes available.
“The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies guides, local authorities and security agencies,” it said.
The board advised visitors to avoid travelling close to rivers, riverbanks as well as bridge and low-lying areas.
“Visitors are also reminded to remain in safe locations and avoid unnecessary movement until the situation becomes clearer,” said the Nepal Tourism Board.
