PETALING JAYA: The Foreign Affairs Ministry (Wisma Putra) is still awaiting confirmation as to whether any Malaysians were among the 31 foreign nationals rescued by Nepalese authorities.
"The ministry, through its diplomatic missions in the region, is cross-checking these reports against information from the relevant Nepalese authorities and agencies," it said in an update on the Rasuwa flood Friday (Aug 28) morning, as 57 Malaysians in Nepal remain uncontactable.
"Local authorities there have reported the rescue of 31 foreign nationals so far. At this stage, the ministry has not received confirmation that any Malaysians are among those rescued."
Wisma Putra said it has also received information that Malaysian nationals may have entered the affected areas through neighbouring China and India.
ALSO READ: Nepal floods: More than 1,000 still missing, 392 confirmed dead
"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.
"Malaysian diplomatic missions in the region are also working with the Emergency Response Team of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal and the Nepal Tourism Board to cross-check available information on Malaysians who remain uncontactable,” it added.
Wisma Putra’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.
The ministry urged family members with relevant information, including full names, passport numbers, travel itineraries, last known locations and contactable telephone numbers, to contact it through phone or e-mail.
ALSO READ: Nepal floods: King urges rapid rescue for Malaysians
Wisma Putra can be contacted at +603 8887 4570 and through e-mail via dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
"Family members may also provide the relevant details directly to the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu via e-mail at mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my, with a copy sent to the ministry's Operations Room," it added.
It said the police, security agencies, local authorities and residents in Nepal are conducting search and rescue operations across the 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," it said.
ALSO READ: Nepal floods: Global aid heads to Nepal after devastating flash flood
Malaysians residing in or travelling through Nepal, particularly those in or near the affected areas, have been advised to remain vigilant, prioritise safety and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
Wisma Putra also urged Malaysians to register and regularly update their contact details via the e-Konsular portal at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.
The ministry said it would continue to provide updates as verified information becomes available.
The massive flooding near the border with Tibet has killed almost 400 people in Nepal.
