September 10, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario

As the response to the devastating flash floods along the Nepal-China border continues, Canada has deployed two Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) experts to Kathmandu, Nepal, to join other Canadian officials already on the ground.

The deployment builds on Canada’s ongoing response in the region. Canadian officials continue to work closely with authorities in Nepal and China, as well as international partners, to support efforts to locate missing Canadians and permanent residents and assist affected families. The RCMP DVI experts will join international partners to help identify victims in accordance with Interpol DVI standards.

In Canada, the RCMP, through Interpol Ottawa, is coordinating the collection of DNA samples from family members of missing Canadians, with the support of other Canadian and international police agencies. The National DNA Data Bank is processing these samples to create familial DNA profiles that forensic agencies will use on the ground for DNA comparisons.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) officials remain in regular contact with affected families. Dedicated consular officials serve as primary points of contact, provide direct updates as information becomes available, coordinate with government officials, and help ensure families receive timely and consistent information.

Canada has already deployed officials to Kathmandu, including an RCMP liaison officer, and continues to coordinate closely with local authorities, as well as international partners. Canada is providing $5 million in humanitarian assistance funding and more than 18,000 emergency relief items from its emergency stockpiles, managed by the Canadian Red Cross, to support the broader response in Nepal.

Canada’s thoughts remain with all those affected by this tragedy. As the situation evolves, GAC and the RCMP remain committed to supporting affected families through this difficult period.