PUTRAJAYA: The number of Malaysians who cannot be contacted following severe flooding in Nepal’s Rasuwa district has risen to 55, says Wisma Putra.
In a statement Thursday (Aug 27), the Foreign Ministry said the figure was based on the latest information received from family members, travel agencies and other relevant sources.
Wisma Putra said severe disruptions to communications networks and electricity supplies in affected areas may have contributed to difficulties in contacting the Malaysians.
“At this stage, the ministry has not received any official confirmation of fatalities involving Malaysian citizens,” the Foreign Ministry said.
Earlier, Wisma Putra said the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu had received reports that 11 Malaysians believed to be in Rasuwa district had lost contact following the floods.
Flash floods in the Bhote Koshi River area in Rasuwa district also caused extensive damage to roads, bridges and infrastructure, besides hampering access to affected areas.
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Search and rescue efforts are being carried out by Nepalese authorities, including the use of helicopters, as road access to the affected areas has been disrupted by the floods.
Wisma Putra said the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu is in close contact with Nepalese authorities, search and rescue teams, the Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies and major hospitals in Kathmandu.
The measures are aimed at confirming the safety and whereabouts of the Malaysians involved.
The ministry said the floods also severely damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, highways and communications networks.
“Search and rescue operations are under way, but access to affected areas remains limited,” it said.
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At the same time, the ministry has taken immediate steps to deploy an officer from the Malaysian High Commission in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to assist the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The Foreign Ministry also activated an operations room in Putrajaya from noon on Thursday to co-ordinate information and provide a direct communication channel for Malaysians in affected areas and their family members.
“Family members with information on the Malaysians involved may submit details, including their full names, passport numbers, travel itineraries, last known locations and telephone numbers, to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu to facilitate co-ordination,” it said.
The ministry advised Malaysians residing in or travelling to Nepal, particularly those in or near affected areas, to remain vigilant and prioritise their personal safety.
They are also urged to comply with all instructions issued by local authorities and to register and regularly update their contact details through the e-Konsular portal.
The ministry said it would continue to monitor developments and provide updates where necessary.
