Ottawa provides $5M to Nepal relief efforts as search continues for 32 Canadians

OTTAWA — The federal government announced Friday it is to provide $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to support Nepal after a flash flood tore through the border region with China, leaving thousands missing, including up to 32 Canadians.

The flooding Wednesday along the Himalayan border between Nepal and China, caused by a glacial collapse, killed at least 570 people.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Friday that the number of Canadians and permanent residents missing in the region is now 32.

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

The federal government said its $5-million contribution is to go toward organizations such as 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 sent if needed.

“Nepal is facing a devastating humanitarian emergency with catastrophic damage,” Anand told a news conference.

“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.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said on social media this week that 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.

Nepal’s disaster management authority said 1,924 people are listed as missing. Many may have been on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists and others.

Climate experts at the Kathmandu-based International Center for Integrated Mountain Development said an avalanche from a glacier likely caused the flooding.

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

— With files from The Associated Press