Nepal mulling steps to determine status of flood, landslide victims, says govt

 The foreign ministry says the Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu will liaise with Nepalese authorities to obtain clarification on the relevant processes.

The floods and debris flow on Aug 26, triggered by an ice and rock collapse in the upper catchment of the Lhende Khola in Tibet, reportedly killed more than 1,450 people, while thousands remain unaccounted for. (EPA Images pic)

PUTRAJAYA:

The Nepalese government is considering legal measures to address cases involving individuals whose status remain undetermined, including foreign nationals, following floods and landslides in the country.

In a statement, Malaysia’s foreign ministry said the proposed measures are still subject to Nepal’s domestic legal processes and have yet to take effect.

“The Malaysian embassy in Kathmandu will continue to liaise with the Nepalese authorities to obtain clarification on the relevant processes and documentation should the measures be implemented.

“The Malaysian government will also continue to engage with the Nepalese authorities and coordinate with Malaysian agencies on the relevant processes,” it said.

Wisma Putra said any determination of an individual’s status and issuance of official documentation would be subject to the relevant laws and procedures of the respective authorities in Nepal and Malaysia.

Earlier today, Wisma Putra met 95 next of kin, family members and family representatives of 55 Malaysians who remain uncontactable following the floods and landslides in Nepal on Aug 26.

The session was held to brief families on the latest verified developments and provide an opportunity for them to raise questions directly with the ministry and agencies involved in the efforts.

Aside from the foreign ministry, the other agencies involved in the briefing were the Malaysian Special Search and Rescue Team (SMART), police, chemistry department, Malaysian embassy in Nepal, Malaysian embassy in Beijing, China, and the national registration department (JPN).

Each agency provided updates on matters under its respective jurisdiction during the closed-door meeting, which began at 10.15am and ended at about 3pm.

Wisma Putra said counsellors from the social welfare department (JKM) were also present to provide support to family members throughout the session.

“As the efforts have now entered a long-term phase, the session also discussed legal and administrative processes that may apply to the families of affected Malaysians,” it added in a statement.

The foreign ministry urged the public and media to respect the privacy of the affected families and refrain from speculating about any individual whose status has yet to be confirmed.

The floods and debris flow on Aug 26, triggered by an ice and rock collapse in the upper catchment of the Lhende Khola in Tibet, reportedly killed more than 1,450 people, while thousands remain unaccounted for. - FMT