Canada provides $5M to Nepal relief efforts as search for missing Canadians continues

The federal government is providing $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to support Nepal after a flash flood tore through the border region with China on Wednesday.

Flash flooding along the Himalayan border between Nepal and China, caused by a glacial collapse, has killed at least 570 people. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said the number of Canadians and permanent residents missing in the region is now 32.

No Canadians are among the 121 foreign nationals the Nepal Tourism Board said Friday had been rescued.

Canada's $5 million contribution will go toward organizations like the Red Cross to deliver life-saving assistance to people on the ground. 

Global Affairs Canada has deployed five consular officials to Kathmandu to support Canadians and work with local officials, and Anand said more can be deployed if needed.

"Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian emergency with catastrophic damage," Anand said during a news conference on Friday.

"Families and homes are destroyed. Mudslides have wiped away villages and infrastructure, including bridges. Communities have been cut off from essential services, including telecommunications."

Anand said Global Affairs is aware of 866 Canadians who are in Nepal.

Nepal’s disaster management authority said 1,924 people are now listed as missing, including more 

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media this week 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.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 28, 2026.

— With files from The Associated Press

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