PH embassy in New Delhi confirms 1 Filipino missing in Nepal flash flood

The Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, which has jurisdiction over Nepal, confirmed Friday that one Filipino was indeed missing in the wake of the massive flash flood at the Nepal-China border.

The Embassy said the family of the missing Filipino has yet to reach out to them, but it is ready to assist them.

The Nepal Tourism Board Thursday posted a list of missing persons due to the flash flood. Of the 667 missing persons from 32 countries, one is from the Philippines.

In an interview with GMA News, Philippine Ambassador to New Delhi Josel F. Ignacio said the missing Filipino is "not a resident" of Nepal.

"Sa kasamaang-palad, tama 'yan. Batay sa ugnayan natin sa pamahalaan ng Nepal at batay din sa pahayag ng Nepal Tourism Board," Ignacio said.

(Unfortunately, that is correct. This is based on our coordination with the Nepalese government and also on the statement of the Nepal Tourism Board.)

“Confirmado na may isang kababayan tayo na nawawala,” he added.

(It is confirmed that one of our countrymen is missing.)

Ignacio did not identify the Filipino as a tourist, saying authorities were still determining the person’s circumstances.

He said officials were also withholding other personal details pending official confirmation.

“At sa mga ganyang bagay, ang binibigyan natin ng priority ay ’yung pamilya, ’yung pamilya na siyang unang makaalam,” Ignacio said.

(In matters like this, our priority is the family, who should be the first to know.)

According to an official log by Nepal's Department of Tourism, Juan Carlos Manalo of the Philippines has been listed as a missing person in the wake of Wednesday's flooding. His sister took to social media to ask for help in tracing his whereabouts and coordinating with Nepalese authorities.

Filipino community safe

The ambassador said Philippine officials have also been coordinating with Filipino community organizations in Nepal to check on residents, who have all been marked safe.

"So far, batay sa report ng ating mga kababayan doon, ating mga Filipino community organizations, so far accounted for naman sila," he said.

(So far, based on reports from our compatriots there and our Filipino community organizations, they have been accounted for.)

There are about 300 Filipinos in Nepal, many of whom are married to Nepalese nationals, Ignacio said.

Many are based in Kathmandu, which he said is about 90 kms from the disaster area.

Pinoys fled the terror, too

Ignacio also said there were Filipinos who had been near the affected area but were able to escape.

"Meron din tayong mga nakalap na ganyan, mga nag-contact naman," he said.

(We have also received reports like that, from those who have contacted us.)

“Siyempre nakakahinga tayo nang maluwag na ligtas sila,” he added.

(Of course, we can breathe a sigh of relief that they are safe.)

No relative has contacted embassy yet

As of the interview, no relative has been able to speak to Philippine authorities regarding the missing Filipino.

The DFA’s Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Affairs has likewise not received a report from the Filipino’s relatives, he said.

Ignacio urged relatives who may be looking for a Filipino in Nepal to contact Philippine authorities.

“Kami po ay nakaabang kung meron pong mga gustong magtanong, kamustahin o magbigay po ng pangalan, puwede po kaming tumulong to try to trace yung mga kababayan natin,” he said.

(We are standing by if there are those who want to ask questions, check on someone, or provide a name. We can help try to trace our compatriots.)

Juan Carlos' sister, Chiara, told GMA News Online that she attempted to call the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, and was given another contact number that she has been unsuccessful to reach as of posting time.

The family said it is seeking other contacts or agencies that can help coordinate with Nepalese authorities and assist in the ongoing search operations.

Difficult access to disaster area

Ignacio said access to the affected area remains a challenge because several roads have been damaged.

"Ayon po sa ating Honorary Consul General, 'yung daan patungo doon may mga sira at marami sa mga relief ay gumagamit ng helicopter," he said.

(According to our Honorary Consul General, some of the roads leading there have been damaged, and much of the relief is being transported by helicopter.)

PH contingency plans

Ignacio said Philippine embassies have contingency plans for disasters and other emergencies involving Filipinos overseas.

He said the host government normally serves as the first responder, while Philippine diplomatic posts immediately monitor the situation and coordinate with authorities.

“Ang standing instruction naman po namin… pag may ganitong pangyayari, kumikilos na po agad tayo, nagmo-monitor agad, nakikipag-ugnayan. Automatic na po ’yan, parang muscle memory,” Ignacio said.

(Our standing instruction is that when something like this happens, we immediately act, monitor and coordinate. It is automatic, like muscle memory.)

He said the Philippines is also prepared to provide humanitarian assistance to Nepal, should its government request it.

Reports said the August 26 disaster was triggered by a massive collapse of ice, rock and mud in the Himalayas that sent a powerful torrent through communities on both sides of the Nepal-Tibet border.

In Nepal, the flooding swept through communities along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river systems, severely affecting Rasuwa and neighboring districts including Nuwakot and Dhading. Roads, bridges, homes and other infrastructure were destroyed or damaged.

Nepalese authorities have deployed soldiers, police, helicopters and rescue teams to search for survivors and bring assistance to communities cut off by damaged roads and bridges. The scale of the destruction and difficult terrain have complicated rescue operations.—AOL/ VDV, GMA News