32 Canadians missing in Nepal flood deaths

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said Friday that 32 Canadians and permanent residents remain unaccounted for following catastrophic flash floods and mudslides in Nepal, as the confirmed death toll from the disaster continues to rise. The floods, triggered by a glacial collapse along the Himalayan border between Nepal and China on Wednesday, have killed at least 579 people, with 1,924 still missing. During a media briefing on August 28, Minister Anand provided the updated figure for missing Canadians, noting that the numbers are likely to change as more rain is expected and water levels rise. She stated that 579 bodies have been recovered in total, and that 517 of the missing are foreign nationals. Global Affairs Canada has deployed five consular officials to Kathmandu to assist citizens and coordinate with local authorities. The disaster began on Wednesday morning when flash flooding tore through the Bhotekoshi River. The Nepal Embassy in Ottawa reported widespread displacement and extensive damage to homes, roads, bridges, and hydropower facilities.