Malaysia, China, Australia, and U.S. Citizens Reported Missing Amid Nepal Floods

Malaysia’s Missing Citizens in Nepal

Malaysia reported that 55 of its citizens are missing in Nepal. Communication networks and electricity supply disruptions are complicating the search efforts. The Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively working with local authorities on search and rescue operations. No casualties have been confirmed yet.

China’s Situation in Tibet

China announced that a mudslide in Gyirong, Tibet, a region bordering Nepal, has resulted in three deaths and 558 missing people. Among the missing are 260 foreign nationals. Efforts to locate them are underway, but two villagers have been rescued, and three bodies were recovered. The number of missing has increased from an earlier estimate. Chinese President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of search efforts and strengthening early warning systems to prevent further disasters.

Roads leading to the Gyirong Port have been blocked, and communication and power issues persist, impacting rescue operations. A previous mudslide hit this area over a year ago.

Australia’s Response

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reported that 34 Australians are missing in Nepal, with access and information being limited due to the disaster’s scale. The Australians were part of pilgrimage and tour groups. Crisis response teams and other personnel are being sent to the region. The devastation is significant, according to Wong.

American Tourists and Nepal’s Situation

Sunil Sharma from Nepal’s tourism board stated that 47 American tourists are among those missing. The U.S. State Department is deploying a disaster response adviser and providing $500,000 via Catholic Relief Services to support affected communities. Over 400 foreign nationals are reported missing, with various countries, including India, Canada, Britain, Japan, Australia, and Malaysia, having citizens unaccounted for.

Videos verified by NBC News show the immense destruction caused by flash floods. Raging waters swept away bridges and vehicles, transforming peaceful areas into scenes of chaos and wreckage. Surveillance footage from Rasuwagadhi border crossing highlights the scale of devastation as the floods hit. In one video, a passenger in Bidur captures the scene as people attempt to escape the flood’s path.