Ottawa sends 10 officials to Nepal as 30 Canadians remain missing
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand deployed federal staff including RCMP to locate missing Canadians after a glacial collapse killed hundreds in the Himalayan border region.
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The federal government has deployed 10 officials to Nepal to support Canadians affected by devastating flooding from a glacial collapse in the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Monday, August 31.
The team includes a member of the RCMP and the deputy high commissioner of Canada to India, and is working to locate missing Canadians and support affected families. Anand said 30 Canadians and permanent residents remain unaccounted for — a number that may change as the government gathers more information. She added that one Canadian who was previously missing has been found safe.
The glacier collapse triggered flash flooding that killed roughly 800 people and left approximately 3,000 missing across the region. The federal government is providing $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to Nepal.
Global Affairs Canada said officials are engaging with trekking companies, hospitals, local police, rescue centres, airlines and Canadian travel industry partners to gather information and help account for affected Canadians. The RCMP has deployed a liaison officer to offer assistance and is engaging through the INTERPOL network, offering forensic equipment and expertise.
Canadian officials are working with Nepalese and Chinese counterparts as well as international partners including the Five Eyes, France, Japan, Italy and Singapore to share information and coordinate rescue efforts. Canada's travel advice for Nepal and affected areas of China was updated to advise against non-essential travel due to ongoing flooding risks and damage.
By the numbers
How many Canadian officials did Ottawa deploy to Nepal?
The federal government deployed 10 officials to Nepal, including an RCMP member and Canada's deputy high commissioner to India, to support Canadians affected by the glacial collapse and locate missing citizens.
How many Canadians remain missing after the glacial collapse?
30 Canadians and permanent residents remain unaccounted for, though this number may change as the government gathers more information. One Canadian who was previously missing has been found safe.
How much humanitarian aid is Canada providing to Nepal?
The federal government is providing $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to Nepal in response to the glacial collapse and flooding.
How many people were killed in the glacial collapse?
The glacier collapse triggered flash flooding that killed roughly 800 people across the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China.
