77 Malaysians in flood-hit Nepal and Tibet have been brought to Kathmandu for repatriation, while 55 remain unaccounted for following a Himalayan disaster.
PUTRAJAYA: Seventy-seven Malaysians located in Nepal and Tibet following devastating floods in the region have been brought to Kathmandu for repatriation, while 55 others remain unaccounted for.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the latest figures were conveyed by Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan following the disaster, which struck the region last week.
“The Foreign Minister has informed that there are 55 Malaysian citizens who are still unaccounted for, while 77 Malaysians have been located in Tibet and Nepal.
“They have been brought to Kathmandu for the repatriation process, to be returned and brought back to Malaysia,” he said at a press conference here.
Fahmi also said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had approved a US$1 million contribution to support humanitarian relief efforts in Nepal.
The floods, reportedly triggered by a glacial collapse in the Himalayas on Aug 26, devastated parts of Nepal and neighbouring Tibet, destroying roads, bridges and other infrastructure and leaving thousands of people missing.
The disaster has also affected hundreds of foreign nationals, including tourists, pilgrims and workers who were in the mountainous border region when the floods struck.
Malaysia was among more than 30 countries whose nationals were reported missing following the disaster, with up to 55 Malaysians initially listed as unaccounted for.
The latest figures indicate that a significant number of Malaysians who were previously uncontactable have since been located, with those found in Nepal and Tibet now being brought together in Kathmandu before returning home.
Fahmi said the US$1 million contribution would support humanitarian relief efforts in Nepal as authorities continue rescue, recovery and assistance operations.
