Nepal Forms Response Team To Coordinate Search For Missing Foreign Nationals

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 28 (Bernama) -- Nepal’s Foreign Ministry has formed an Emergency Response Team (ERT) to coordinate the search efforts for foreign nationals reported missing and assist those affected by the devastating Bhotekoshi River floods in Rasuwa.

The team will serve as a central coordinating mechanism for verifying information, supporting search and rescue operations, and providing consular assistance to foreign nationals affected by the disaster, The Himalayan Times quoted the ministry as saying.

The ERT will gather information on foreign nationals affected by the incident, coordinate with relevant agencies, and share verified updates with their families and diplomatic missions.

The ministry urged diplomatic missions, international organisations, families and the public to report information on affected or missing foreign nationals via +977-9744441227 or +977-9744441228 (phone/WhatsApp), or by email at emergency@mofa.gov.np.

The devastating floods, which struck on Wednesday morning, had claimed 359 lives as of Thursday evening, according to local authorities.

At least 31 were rescued, while more than 800 others, including hundreds of foreign tourists, remain unaccounted for, the majority of them from India and Nepal, as search and rescue operations continue.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the number of Malaysians who remain unaccounted for in the disaster has yet to be confirmed by the Nepali authorities.

-- BERNAMA