Kathmandu: A group of Malaysian hikers at the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trekking area has been reported safe following a flash flood at the Nepal-Tibet border, believed to have been caused by a glacier collapse yesterday. Freelance tour guide Muhammad Hafizal Hamidon confirmed that the Malaysian hikers in the area were not affected, as the location of the flash flood was distant from their trekking path.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Hafizal stated, "Alhamdulillah, so far everyone here is safe and well. Although it rained quite heavily yesterday afternoon, we are safe here and there are also many other Malaysians in this area." He clarified that the incident occurred in the Langtang Valley, which is quite far from their trekking route to ABC. Muhammad Hafizal and his group, currently on the fourth day of their trek, reported no impact on their fellow hikers or other Malaysians from the tragedy.
Commenting on the current situation and movement out of the trekking area, Muhammad Hafizal mentioned that road access back to the city has been slightly disrupted following the incident. He noted, "Based on information from the guides and trekking organisers, the route for us to leave may be slightly affected, but it is expected to be resolved within a few days. The road is expected to be restored before we complete our trek." His group is scheduled to return home on August 31.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Hafizal advised Malaysians in Nepal to adhere to local guides' instructions and keep their whereabouts updated to avoid causing concern among family members back home. He also recommended that those planning to undertake trekking activities in Nepal temporarily postpone their plans due to unpredictable weather conditions and the associated risks.
A total of 55 Malaysians reported to the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu are currently uncontactable following floods and destruction caused by the overflowing Bhote Koshi River in Rasuwa District, Nepal, on August 26, according to the Foreign Ministry. In a statement today, the ministry said this information was received from family members, travel agencies, and other relevant sources.