Kathmandu: Governments across the world have expressed grief and pledged assistance after devastating flash floods in Nepal killed more than 160 people and left hundreds missing, including foreign nationals.
Australia searches for missing nationals
At least 34 Australians are reportedly among those missing after the disaster. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said officials were working with Nepalese authorities and tour operators to confirm the welfare of Australians in the affected region.
He said Australia was ready to provide consular assistance and urged Australians in the affected areas to follow local authorities’ advice.
Canada asks citizens to register
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said 24 Canadian nationals remained missing and that his government was closely monitoring the situation.
He urged Canadians in the affected region to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad system as rescue operations continued.
Carney described the flooding along the Bhotekoshi River as devastating and said Canada stood ready to support those affected.
New Zealand and Malaysia step up support
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the situation as heartbreaking and said his government was in contact with Nepalese authorities regarding New Zealanders who may have been affected.
Five New Zealanders were reportedly still unaccounted for. Luxon urged those in affected areas to inform family and friends of their safety when possible.
In Malaysia, 19 nationals remained unaccounted for following the catastrophic flooding. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Malaysian Embassy in Kathmandu was working closely with local authorities and had been directed to provide all necessary assistance.
Hundreds remain out of contact
Reports cited in the source said 391 foreign tourists and 93 Nepali tourists remained out of contact following the disaster.
As search and rescue operations continue across the flood-hit Himalayan region, governments are working with Nepalese authorities to trace missing nationals and provide consular support to affected families.
The international response reflects the scale of the disaster, with families in several countries waiting anxiously for news while rescue teams continue their efforts amid severe disruption to infrastructure and communications.