Wisma Putra confirms 55 Malaysians in Kathmandu are uncontactable after Bhote Koshi River floods; Operations Room activated, no casualties confirmed
KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-five Malaysians in Kathmandu are currently uncontactable following a devastating flood triggered by the overflowing of the Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa District, Nepal, on Wednesday, according to the Foreign Ministry of Malaysia.
In a statement on Thursday, the ministry widely known as Wisma Putra said the number is based on the latest information received from family members, travel agencies, and other relevant sources.
“The ministry understands that severe disruptions to communication and electricity networks in the affected areas may be contributing to the difficulties in establishing contact,” it said.
Citing local authorities, the ministry said the flash flood has caused severe damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, highways, and communication networks, and hampered access to the affected areas and search and rescue (SAR) operations.
The Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu is in close communication with the Nepalese authorities, SAR teams, Nepal Tourism Board, travel agencies, and major hospitals in Kathmandu to ascertain the safety and whereabouts of the Malaysians involved.
“At this stage, the ministry has not received any official confirmation of Malaysian casualties,” Wisma Putra said.
To strengthen its consular response, Wisma Putra has deployed an officer from another Malaysian mission in the region to support the embassy in Kathmandu.
The ministry has also activated its Operations Room in Putrajaya, effective from 12 pm Thursday, to coordinate information and provide a direct channel of communication.
Malaysians in the affected areas and family members may contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Operations Room at +603 8887 4570, or email dutyofficer@kln.gov.my.
Alternatively, family members may also email the Embassy of Malaysia in Kathmandu at mwkathmandu@kln.gov.my with details of the Malaysians involved, such as full name, passport number, travel itinerary, last known location, and contactable telephone number, and copy the email to Wisma Putra’s Operations Room to facilitate coordination.
Wisma Putra extended its condolences to the government and people of Nepal, particularly to the families of those who lost their lives, and expressed its sympathies to all those affected by the disaster.
Malaysians residing in or travelling through Nepal, particularly those in or near the affected areas, are advised to remain vigilant, prioritise personal safety, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities, and also to register and update their contact details via the e-Konsular portal at https://ekonsular.kln.gov.my.
