Thirty-two Canadian citizens and permanent residents remain unaccounted for following devastating flash flooding and landslides in Nepal, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, as families anxiously await news from the region. The disaster has left at least 579 people confirmed dead and thousands missing.
British Columbia Families Search for Missing Loved Ones
Among those missing are Coquitlam residents Sumit and Shubakshi Rawla. According to their daughter, Kenisha Rawla, the couple was on a guided pilgrimage in Nepal and hasn’t been heard from since the morning of August 26. Global News reported that Kenisha and her sister made over 200 phone calls to their parents, hoping for a momentary signal. Dipti Bhatnagar and her brother, Khushal, arrived in Nepal’s capital on Friday in a desperate bid to find Shubakshi and Sumit, according to the source.
Port Moody residents Dhaval and Megha Shah were travelling with the Rawlas and also remain unaccounted for. Nikita Shah, a relative of the couple, told Global News that tour company contacts lost communication with anyone in that location at approximately 8:30 a.m. on August 26.
Humanitarian Crisis and Relief Efforts
The scale of the destruction is severely hampering rescue and assessment operations. Tamara Demuria, Corus International Chief Humanitarian Officer, stated that areas further north are completely cut off by mud and debris, particularly near one of Nepal’s main border crossings into China. Demuria noted that humanitarian teams cannot reach certain communities to evaluate the damage, which she described as far more severe than initially documented.
In response to the crisis, Ottawa is committing $5 million in humanitarian aid and deploying five consular officials to Nepal. Kenisha Rawla urged the federal government to send specialized rescue teams to assist with locating missing citizens, emphasizing that other families are worried sick.
Did you know? Community support networks like the Nepal Cultural Society of B.C., represented by Gaurav Subedi, are stepping up to provide emotional and community support for local families enduring the agonizing wait for news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Canadians are missing in Nepal?
According to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, 32 Canadian citizens and permanent residents are unaccounted for following the flash floods and landslides.
Are there any confirmed Canadian fatalities?
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand stated that no Canadian deaths have been confirmed as the search continues.
What is the Canadian government doing to help?
Ottawa is providing $5 million in humanitarian aid and sending five consular officials to Nepal to assist affected citizens and families.
Which specific B.C. residents are among the missing?
Coquitlam residents Sumit and Shubakshi Rawla, along with Port Moody residents Dhaval and Megha Shah, are among the missing individuals reported by their families.
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