Ottawa sends officials to Nepal as search for missing Canadians continues

On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that 10 officials from the Canadian government are currently stationed in Nepal to aid Canadians impacted by recent flooding. These officials, including an RCMP member, are on a mission to locate missing Canadians and offer support to affected families.

Anand emphasized on social media on Saturday that one previously unaccounted-for Canadian had been found safe. As of her Monday update, 30 Canadians and permanent residents remain missing, a figure that may fluctuate as the government acquires additional information.

Recognizing the deep impact on families and communities, Anand stated that the Canadian government is maintaining direct contact with all affected families through established points of contact and a collective meeting with them today.

In addition to locating missing individuals, the federal government has pledged $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to Nepal. Global Affairs Canada reported on Monday that officials are collaborating with trekking companies, hospitals, local police, rescue centers, airlines, and other Canadian travel industry partners to gather data, establish connections, and assist in locating affected Canadians.

The department disclosed that the deputy high commissioner of Canada to India is among the 10 officials deployed in Kathmandu. Canadian authorities are working closely with Nepalese and Chinese counterparts, as well as international partners like the Five Eyes, France, Japan, Italy, and Singapore, to exchange information and provide support in locating and assisting Canadians.

The RCMP has dispatched a liaison officer to Nepal to offer assistance and aid in determining the necessary on-the-ground support. This deployment is complemented by the INTERPOL network, which has provided forensic equipment and expertise. Canada's travel advisory for Nepal and China was revised on Monday, advising against non-essential travel to affected areas due to extensive damage from flash flooding and mudslides, as well as the ongoing risk of additional flooding.