President Marcos extends condolences to Nepal as deadly floods leave hundreds dead, one Filipino missing

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

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the Philippines’ condolences to Nepal on Thursday following catastrophic flash floods and mudslides that killed hundreds of people and left many others missing, including one Filipino national.

“The Philippines extends its deepest condolences to our friends in Nepal and to all those affected by the deadly flash flood yesterday,” Marcos said in a social media post.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to those who lost family, loved ones and friends. Please accept our most heartfelt prayers for strength in this difficult time,” he added.

The disaster struck communities along the Nepal-China border on Wednesday, August 26, after a glacial collapse sent a massive flow of ice, rock, mud and water into valleys below. Nepalese authorities initially considered an earthquake as a possible trigger, but subsequent analysis pointed to the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier and the resulting debris flow.

The casualty figures continued to rise Thursday as rescuers searched through mud and debris. Nepal Police later reported at least 353 deaths and 826 people missing, according to CBS News. Earlier official reports had placed the death toll at more than 160, underscoring how rapidly the figures were changing as search-and-rescue operations continued.

The Nepal Tourism Board separately reported that 644 travelers were unaccounted for based on preliminary information from trekking and travel companies. The list included one Filipino, 127 Nepalis and 516 foreign nationals from 31 countries. Authorities said the information was still being verified with travel agencies, guides, local officials and security agencies.

Malacañang earlier said there were no confirmed Filipino casualties as of Thursday morning. The Philippine government was coordinating with Nepalese authorities and the Filipino community to determine whether any Philippine nationals had been affected.

Government records show 128 Filipinos are currently in Nepal, most of them women married to Nepalese nationals, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has recorded 18 Filipino workers in the country.

Rescue and evacuation operations remain underway in affected areas as authorities continue searching for survivors and assessing the extent of the destruction.