Number of Canadians missing near Nepal-China border now 25 after flash flooding

There are 25 Canadians now missing in Nepal following flash floods that swept through an area along the Nepal-Tibet border on Wednesday.

The Nepal tourism board listed the Canadians among more than 660 foreign nationals missing, and Nepal police report hundreds more local residents are missing and 353 people are confirmed dead.

The United States Geological Survey initially said an earthquake led to the flooding but further analysis said the seismic event was actually caused by a glacial collapse.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Wednesday all Canadians in the region should sign up for Registration of Canadians Abroad, a free service that lets the federal government contact and assist citizens during an emergency in other countries.

Global Affairs Canada’s website says as of Wednesday 820 Canadians registered as being in Nepal and five in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

The department says establishing full communication with those on the ground is challenging due to power outages in the region.

“Canadians are thinking of all those in distress right now, those who have lost a loved one, and all those who are still waiting for answers,” Carney said on social media Wednesday.

“As rescue efforts continue, Canada stands ready to provide support.”

The Chinese Embassy in Canada thanked the prime minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand for their support on social media Wednesday.

The Nepalese Canadian Community Services said its members are “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives and widespread devastation.” 

“At this difficult and painful time, out thoughts, prayers and solidarity are with our homeland and with all those who have been affected by this tragedy,” the group said in a statement on social media. 

Officials warned residents in several districts to stay away from the banks of the Bhotekoshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers. The Bhotekoshi flooded Wednesday morning, destroying several villages, roads and hydropower projects, officials said.

“We have asked both India and China to help us with the rescue efforts,” said government spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 27, 2026.

— With files from The Associated Press

By The Canadian Press Staff | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.