25 Canadians among over 1,300 missing as Nepal-Tibet floods kill more than 350

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
August 28, 2026

Photo courtesy: Japan Today

KATHMANDU, Nepal — At least 25 Canadians are among more than 1,300 people reported missing after catastrophic flash floods swept through communities along the Nepal-Tibet border, killing more than 350 people and leaving widespread destruction across the Himalayan region.

The disaster struck Wednesday after a glacial collapse sent a torrent of water, ice, rock and mud through river valleys in Nepal and China’s Tibet region, destroying homes, roads and bridges and cutting off several communities.

Authorities continued to revise casualty figures Thursday as rescue teams reached more affected areas. At least 353 people had been confirmed dead across Nepal and Tibet, while more than 1,300 remained unaccounted for, according to the Associated Press.

Nepal’s Tourism Board said at least 25 Canadians were among the missing. Other foreign nationals reported unaccounted for included Indians, Americans, British citizens, Australians and travelers from several other countries.

Many of those caught in the disaster were tourists, trekkers and pilgrims travelling through the remote border region, where damaged roads, landslides and communication outages have complicated rescue efforts.

Helicopters have been used to evacuate survivors and deliver food, medicine and tents to communities that remain inaccessible by road.

In Tibet, Chinese authorities deployed rescue personnel, vehicles, search dogs and other equipment as operations continued in heavily affected areas near the Nepal border.

Officials have also warned of continuing risks after the floods altered waterways and created unstable conditions upstream. Residents and rescue workers have been advised to stay away from vulnerable riverbanks as authorities monitor the area for further flooding.

Global Affairs Canada said it was monitoring the situation and working with local authorities. As of Aug. 26, 820 Canadians were registered as being in Nepal and five in Tibet, although registration is voluntary and does not reflect the total number of Canadians in either area.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was closely following developments and stood ready to provide support to those affected.

Search-and-rescue operations remained underway Thursday, with authorities warning that the death toll and number of people still missing could change as more areas become accessible.