by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 10:20 AM ET, Thu August 27, 2026
A devastating flash flood in Nepal and Tibet has claimed the lives of more than 350 people, with more than 1,300 people still missing. Among the missing are 25 Canadians, as listed by the Nepal Tourism Board.
According to CBC News, the missing Canadians are between the ages of 36 to 60, although not all the birth dates are known yet. The Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, Bharat Raj Paudyal, was “unable to confirm the circumstances” of the missing Canadians, but said that the affected area is a popular destination for hikers and also a route often used by those on pilgrimage.
Prime Minister Mark Carney called the flood “absolutely devastating” and stated that Canada was ready to support continuing rescue efforts.
Global Affairs has updated its advisory for Nepal, stating that roads, infrastructure and essential services — including transportation, power distribution, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care — have all been disrupted by the disaster.
Global Affairs has stated there are consular officials in the region, but it may take time to establish communication due to power outages.
Anyone in the area is advised to move to higher ground if it is safe to do so, monitor local media for the latest information and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders.
The Nepal Tourism Board has stated that rescue, evacuation and verification efforts are underway with the help of travel agencies, trekking companies, guides, local authorities and security agencies. “The authorities are also working to verify the status of travellers who may have been stranded, displaced or remain unaccounted for following the floods,” states an update from the tourism board.
Travelling Canadians are advised to Register as a Canadian Abroad, a free service that allows the Government of Canada to notify travellers in case of an emergency at their destination or a personal emergency at home. The service also enables travellers to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Emergency consular assistance in the region can be reached via Global Affairs Canada's Emergency Watch and Response Centre by calling +1 613-996-8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Signal at +1-613-909-8087 or by e-mail at [email protected].
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