A group of 38 Malaysian pilgrims returned safely to Kuala Lumpur on August 31 after a challenging journey disrupted by severe flooding and landslides in Nepal. The pilgrims, who had been undertaking a spiritual trip to Lake Manasarovar and Mount Kailash, were forced to alter their original travel route due to flash floods in the Rasuwa district of northern Nepal.

The group initially planned to cross the Rasuwa-Gyirong border into Tibet but had to reroute through the Tatopani-Kodari border after the first route was rendered impassable by flood damage. This alternative passage also posed significant challenges as landslides and road damage affected travel conditions. Despite these difficulties, the pilgrims successfully entered Nepal and made their way to Kathmandu.

S. Dhaneswaran, managing director of Polama Groups Travel & Tours, coordinated efforts to secure the safe passage of the pilgrims as conditions evolved. R. Kalaivanan, president of Persatuan Haiwan Terbiar Malaysia and a member of the pilgrim group, highlighted the exhaustion and pressure encountered by the travel team. He expressed appreciation for the resilience and determination of those working behind the scenes to ensure the group’s safety.

Kalaivanan cited faith as a critical element in maintaining calm and mutual support throughout the arduous journey. After arriving in Kathmandu, the pilgrims received assistance from the Malaysian Embassy in Nepal. Muammar Taufiqi Mustapha, head of chancery at the embassy, accompanied them to Tribhuvan International Airport for their flight back to Malaysia. Malaysian officials were present at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to welcome the group home.

The pilgrims had arrived in Kathmandu on August 15 and were travelling overland toward the Rasuwa border prior to the floods, which struck on August 26. The disaster caused extensive damage in northern Nepal, affecting districts including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha, as well as downstream communities.

In response to the crisis, the Malaysian Relief Agency has initiated the Nepal Disaster Humanitarian Fund to provide emergency aid. According to the agency’s president, Khairil Annuar Khalid, the fund will support affected populations with essential supplies such as food, clean water, sanitation products, baby and hygiene kits, medical aid, and temporary prayer spaces for Muslim communities impacted by the floods. He noted the urgent and growing needs for shelter, healthcare, and basic necessities in the affected regions.