Nepal Floods: One Malaysian Safe, 54 Others Still Uncontactable 

PUTRAJAYA, Oct 3 (Bernama) -- A Malaysian previously reported as uncontactable following floods and landslides in Nepal has returned safely to Malaysia, while 54 Malaysians remain uncontactable.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry said the Malaysian had presented himself at the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu on Oct 1, where his identity was verified and he was confirmed safe, before returning to Malaysia the following day. 

“With his status now confirmed, the Ministry’s record stands at 54 Malaysians reported as uncontactable.

“The Ministry will continue to verify each case separately based on information obtained through the relevant authorities and available channels,” the statement read.

The ministry said that the relevant Malaysian authorities will record a statement from the individual to complete the official record of his case, while he will also undergo a health assessment following his return.

The Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu is also conducting further verification with the relevant Nepalese authorities and reviewing relevant records in light of the development. 

However, the ministry noted that it would not disclose further personal details concerning the Malaysian who returned, out of respect for his privacy.

Meanwhile, Wisma Putra continues to monitor developments in Nepal following the announcement by Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority on Sept 30 that search and rescue operations had concluded and transitioned to search and recovery efforts. 

“This transition does not end Malaysia’s efforts to verify the status of all 54 Malaysians currently reported as uncontactable,” it said. 

Malaysia will continue verification efforts through its embassies in Kathmandu and Beijing, and continued engagement with the relevant authorities and other available official channels.

The ministry will also continue to follow the legal and administrative processes being developed in Nepal concerning the documentation and procedures applicable to disaster victims who remain uncontactable. 

It added that verified developments concerning individual cases would be communicated directly to their immediate next of kin, while urging the public and media to respect the privacy of the families concerned and refrain from speculation over cases yet to be confirmed. 

Flash floods and landslides struck Nepal’s Rasuwa district and the Nepal-Tibet border area on Aug 26 following heavy rainfall and glacier-related landslides along the Bhote Koshi River.

The disaster caused widespread damage to roads, bridges, communication networks, and other infrastructure, cutting off several affected areas and hampering search and rescue operations; disruptions to electricity and telecommunications also made it difficult to contact people in the area.

-- BERNAMA