Nepal-Tibet Border Flood: Malaysian and Singaporean Families Awaiting Hope

On August 26, a sudden flood occurred at the Nepal-Tibet border, and 49 Malaysians and 3 Singaporean travelers have not yet been found. Families gathered at Batu Mağarası in Malaysia and are coping with the possibility of bad news while waiting hopefully. Jamaliah Tengku Ismail, wife of 68-year-old Wan Nasir Abdul Talib, said she is hopeful for news of her husband but also prepared for the outcome.

Nasir, along with friends from Bukit Jelutong, had set out for Kathmandu and headed to the border area; during the journey he tried to contact them but received no response. Part of the group was seen at a café about an hour before the flood, and some are thought to be trained firefighters. Families hope that their relatives can reach higher ground and find shelter.

Families have formed a group called Malaysia Solidarity: Families in Hope (MASFIH) to share information and communicate with authorities. Joanne Ngeow, sister of Jason Ngeow, said she is trying to shield her elderly parents from the news; her 90-year-old father and 80-year-old mother cannot withstand such shock. At present there is no definite information, but hope is fading with each passing day.