Doha: The number of Malaysians who remain unaccounted for following the devastating floods in Nepal has yet to be confirmed by the authorities there, said Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. He revealed that efforts to gather information are underway, with data being compiled and verified by the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the information provided by travel agencies is being cross-checked by officials at the embassy. Despite attempts to contact the missing individuals, there has been no response, leading to their inclusion on the list of those still missing. Meanwhile, Nepalese security agencies are actively engaged in search and rescue (SAR) operations.
Mohamad, who is currently in Doha leading Malaysia's delegation to the extraordinary meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), noted the challenges faced in locating the missing individuals due to damaged infrastructure. The floods have severely disrupted access routes, roads, and bridges, complicating rescue efforts.
He further shared that the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu, in collaboration with Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is closely monitoring the situation. Reports have described the flooding as a massive inland tsunami, resulting in significant loss of life and numerous people missing.
In response to the crisis, Malaysia has deployed additional personnel from Dhaka, Bangladesh, to support the embassy in Kathmandu. These personnel are tasked with overseeing the rescue operations, managing the welfare of Malaysian citizens, and coordinating efforts with Nepalese authorities. The strategic deployment from Dhaka was chosen due to its proximity, being just a one-hour flight from Kathmandu.
Regarding potential further assistance, including the deployment of rescue teams, Mohamad stated that the decision lies with the National Security Council. He expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy, offering prayers for the safe return of the missing Malaysians.