Ottawa sends officials to Nepal as search for missing Canadians continues

The federal government has dispatched 10 officials to Nepal to assist in the search for missing Canadians following devastating flash flooding that claimed over 800 lives and left around 3,000 people unaccounted for. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed on Monday that the officials, which include a member of the RCMP, are working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and provide support to affected families.

Anand stated that their top priority is to locate Canadians and permanent residents, confirm their safety, and offer assistance whenever possible. Earlier, on August 31, she announced that one Canadian previously unaccounted for had been found safe, but noted that 30 Canadians and permanent residents remain missing, a number that could change as more information becomes available.

The government has pledged to provide $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to Nepal. In addition to search and rescue efforts, the Canadian officials are collaborating with trekking companies, hospitals, local police, rescue centers, airlines, and other partners in the travel industry to gather information, establish contact, and help account for affected Canadians.

The Canadian delegation is coordinating closely with Nepalese and Chinese authorities, as well as international partners including the Five Eyes, France, Japan, Italy, and Singapore, to share crucial information and support efforts to locate and assist Canadians. The RCMP has deployed a liaison officer to Nepal, utilizing forensic expertise and equipment through INTERPOL.

As a precautionary measure, Canada's travel advisory for Nepal and China was updated to advise against non-essential travel to affected areas due to the severe damage caused by flash floods, mudslides, and the ongoing risk of further flooding.