Nepal-China floods: Intrepid launches appeal as Canada searches for 30

Intrepid Travel has launched an emergency appeal through its not-for-profit, The Intrepid Foundation, following catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal and China that has devastated communities in Timure, Rasuwagadhi, Syabrubesi and along the Trishuli River corridor.

Intrepid says it will dollar match all funds raised up to AUD100,000

The disaster has caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, roads and critical infrastructure, with communities facing a long and challenging recovery.

The Intrepid Foundation’s emergency appeal is in partnership with Australian Red Cross, which is supporting response efforts on the ground. All funds raised will go towards impacted communities, including emergency shelter support, water sanitation and hygiene, first aid and health services.  

Intrepid has a significant operation in Nepal – it runs 26 itineraries in the country and has a local team of 463 people (office employees, tour leaders, porters and assistant guides). No Intrepid customers or team members were in the affected regions at the time, and all Intrepid travellers in the country are safely accounted for.  

“The scale of this disaster is devastating. Communities across the region are grieving the loss of loved ones while also facing significant challenges in the weeks and months ahead. Support will be critical to recovery efforts, and we are encouraging anyone who is able to donate to the appeal or help spread the word. Together, we can help ensure affected communities receive the support they need during this incredibly difficult time,” said Yalamber Rai, general manager, Nepal, Intrepid Travel, in a press release. 

To donate to immediate humanitarian response efforts, you can visit The Intrepid Foundation’s Nepal Flood Appeal here.

At least 30 Canadians missing

As previously reported, catastrophic flooding tore through communities along the Nepal-China border earlier this week, triggering a large-scale search and rescue operation.

The disaster, caused by a massive glacier collapse in the Himalayas on Wednesday, has killed at least 390 people and left some 1,400 missing across Nepal and China’s Tibet region.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) provided an update on the situation Thursday (Aug. 28), confirming that the whereabouts and well-being of at least 30 Canadians and permanent residents in Nepal and the Tibet region have yet to be confirmed. The figure has increased from 25 previously reported.

Given the extremely difficult conditions on the ground, GAC cautioned that the number could fluctuate as new information becomes available.

“Our consular officials are working urgently to establish contact with them and confirm their safety. They are also reaching out to travel agencies, local authorities and likeminded countries to gather additional information,” GAC said.

Canada is deploying five consular officials to Kathmandu to support Canadians and coordinate with local officials and partners, with additional resources to be provided as needed.

“In addition to working closely with Nepalese and Chinese counterparts, we are also coordinating with international partners and allies who also have citizens in the region,” GAC said.

As of Aug. 27, there were 858 Canadians registered as being in Nepal and 18 in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China through Global Affairs Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service.

GAC stressed that the figures are only estimates because registration is voluntary and may include people who registered but ultimately did not travel.

As a result, the numbers do not necessarily reflect how many Canadians are currently visiting or residing in the affected areas.

Global Affairs Canada said it is also in contact with humanitarian partners and is prepared to contribute to relief efforts as needed.

Travel advice to Canadians

Canada’s travel advisories for Nepal and China were updated Aug. 27 to include information about the ongoing risk of further flash flooding and mudslides along the Nepal-China border.

Canadians are being urged to regularly consult the federal government’s Travel Advice and Advisories for the latest information and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive important 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 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 tragic event comes just over a year after deadly flooding struck the same Nepal-China border region.

In July 2025, flooding on the Bhote Koshi river killed nine people and left 24 others missing. That event also washed away a "Friendship Bridge" connecting Nepal and China, disrupting cross-border trade and transportation for months.

The Bhote Koshi originates in Tibet and flows into Nepal's Trishuli river, where Wednesday's flash flooding occurred.

Last year's flooding was caused by the draining of a supraglacial lake in Tibet, according to a regional climate monitor.

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