Global Affairs Canada says it is closely monitoring the situation in Nepal following severe flash flooding and mudslides that have struck the region, including areas along the border with China.
In a statement issued August 26, the department said Canada’s thoughts are with the families and loved ones of victims, as well as with all those affected by the floods.
The department said it is aware of Canadians who have been affected by the disaster and that consular officials in the region are following the situation closely with local authorities while standing ready to provide consular assistance.
As of August 26, there are 820 Canadians registered as being in Nepal and five Canadians registered in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, according to Global Affairs Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad system. The department noted these figures provide only an estimate, since registration is voluntary and may include people who registered with no plans to travel.
Power outages in the region may make it difficult to establish full communication with those on the ground, the department said, adding that could take time.
Global Affairs Canada said it is in contact with humanitarian partners and stands ready to contribute to relief efforts as needed.
Travel advisories for Nepal and China were updated August 26 to include information on the flash flooding along the border. Canadians are encouraged to consult the advisories regularly and to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive updates directly.
Canadians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre by phone at +1 613 996 8885, by text message at +1 613-686-3658, via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881, via Signal at +1-613-909-8087, or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.
The department said it will issue further updates as required and as more information becomes available.
