PETALING JAYA: Malaysian humanitarian groups are working closely with authorities in Nepal to ensure relief reaches communities affected by devastating floods that struck on Aug 26.
United Sikhs Malaysia is among those actively mobilising support in efforts to deliver relief to impacted communities.
“Our immediate focus is to provide a Shelter, Hygiene and Nutrition Pack to families affected by the disaster.
“For many families in Nepal, this is no longer about comfort but shelter, cleanliness, food, safety and survival,” said its president Sunil Shukvir Singh.
United Sikhs Malaysia is also appealing for donations, as they aim to provide aid to at least 1,000 victims, he said, adding that RM500 can support one family.
“No contribution is too small. When many hands come together, even the heaviest burden becomes lighter,” said Sunil.
He added that the group is actively coordinating with Nepalese authorities for the aid distribution.
“There are already relief centres set up there, and we are working closely with them, hoping that everything will go well,” he said.
Mercy Malaysia president Datuk Dr Ahmad Faizal Mohd Perdaus said a small team of volunteers safely arrived in Kathmandu yesterday.
“All the necessary logistics arrangements went according to plan, and they flew in the morning,” he said.
On Aug 26, devastating floods struck the Nepal-China border.
According to an analysis by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a glacial collapse believed to have triggered the floods generated energy equivalent to a moderate earthquake.
The glacial collapse generated energy equivalent to a 5.2-magnitude earthquake, while the resulting debris flow and flood travelled about 100km.
At press time, the death toll following devastating floods that struck the Nepal-China border exceeded 1,000 while more than 4,400 people remained unaccounted for in both countries, according to officials.
Rescue operations are still underway, with damaged infrastructure and difficult terrain hampering efforts to reach the affected areas.
Fifty-five Malaysians remain unaccounted for.
