- Floods struck the Himalayan border of Nepal and China's Tibet last week, leading to a humanitarian crisis.
- The government has appealed for rescue aid from other countries just two days after it reportedly refused help, as several hundred people are still believed to be trapped in hydropower tunnels and thousands remain missing.
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal requested specialized assistance including technology for locating people, forensics, DNA analysis, and mortuaries.
- In a Facebook post on Aug 31, MP Alex Yam called the floods a 'terrible tragedy' and listed the names of the nine missing Singaporeans.
- The missing Singaporeans are: Estee Loeh, Ghosh Aditi, Ng Kit Kuen, Rajesvaran Ayyavoo, Rengarajan Prabu, Shalinny Deavy Elan Sozan, Shubakshi Rawla, Subramaniam Diraviam and Sumit Rawla.
- Yam called out comments questioning if the nine missing were 'really Singaporean', urging compassion over anger.
- Khanal dismissed media reports rejecting international help as 'false'.
- Khanal emphasized the scale of devastation and the need for ongoing support beyond immediate rescue efforts.
- Yam expressed concern over a 'loud minority' questioning the nationality of the missing Singaporeans, stating it was 'difficult to stomach'.
- He noted that some comments expressed a wish for the missing to remain stranded or die, questioning why authorities should help these Singapore citizens.
- Yam urged for compassion over anger, stating that this was not the time for arguments over immigration or citizenship policies.
Nepal's government has urgently requested international rescue aid as the aftermath of a catastrophic avalanche and floods has left hundreds trapped and thousands missing. The disaster, which struck on August 26, has resulted in nearly 800 confirmed deaths and over 2,500 individuals unaccounted for, including 592 foreigners.12
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal emphasized the need for specialized assistance to locate missing persons and manage the overwhelming scale of devastation. He stated, “The scale of devastation is extremely huge and support and assistance are required, not just in the phase of rescue and relief but more so in the phase of reconstruction and rehabilitation.” The Nepal-China border area has been severely affected, with entire villages swept away by the floods.378
In Singapore, MP Alex Yam condemned comments questioning the nationality of nine Singaporeans reported missing, stating, “While families wait desperately for news of their loved ones, a loud minority of people apparently looked at the names and faces of those missing and decided that this was the moment to ask whether they were really Singaporean.” He urged for compassion during this tragic time, highlighting that discussions on immigration and citizenship should not overshadow the human tragedy unfolding.411
As rescue operations continue, the situation remains dire, with both Nepal and China grappling with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
“Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal requested specialized assistance including technology to locate people, quick forensics and DNA analysis, and mortuaries to preserve bodies. He dismissed media reports rejecting international help as 'false', stressing the need for support in reconstruction and rehabilitation.”
South China Morning Post
