PH envoy: Filipino community in Nepal safe; 1 Pinoy still missing after flood

Members of the Filipino community in Nepal are safe and have all been accounted for, while the search continues for a missing Filipino in the wake of the massive flash flood at the Nepal-China border that left hundreds dead, a Philippine envoy said Friday.

Consul General Maria Cynthia Pelayo of the Philippine Embassy in India, which represents the Philippines in Nepal, told Super Radyo dzBB that coordination is ongoing with the Filipino community in the destated country following Wednesday's flooding.

"Mayroon kaming close communication with the Filipino community in Nepal (We have close communication with the Filipino community in Nepal). Fortunately, they are all okay. They are well accounted for," Pelayo said.

The Philippines designates a non-resident ambassador to Nepal, who is based in New Delhi, India. On the other hand, the Nepalese non-resident ambassador to the Philippines is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Pelayo said most members of the Filipino community in Nepal are based in Kathmandu.

She added that about 90% of the Filipinos in the country are spouses of Nepalese locals, with a "very minimal" number of Filipino professionals in the country.

The Philippine diplomat said Philippine authorities have yet to receive information on the whereabouts of the Filipino who was reported missing.

The Nepal Tourism Board listed in its Situation Update on Thursday a Filipino among 644 missing following the flood.

It said Nepalese authorities and tourism stakeholders were working to "verify the whereabouts and safety of tourists and travelers who were at or travelling through the affected areas."

Pelayo said, "Until now, we are still waiting for information about the missing Filipino which was reported yesterday."

She said rescue operations by Nepalese authorities were still ongoing in the affected areas.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has expressed condolences to Nepal and those affected by the flash flood.

"The Philippines extends its deepest condolences to our friends in Nepal and to all those affected by the deadly flash flood yesterday," Marcos said in a post on X.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to those who lost family, loved ones and friends. Please accept our most heartfelt prayers for strength in this difficult time." — VDV, GMA News