Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
New Zealand officials are closely monitoring a rapidly escalating humanitarian emergency in Nepal, where catastrophic flash floods have killed at least 160 people and left hundreds more missing, including five New Zealanders.
The disaster struck near the Nepal–Tibet border after what experts believe was a massive rock‑ice avalanche that collapsed into a river, triggering a sudden wall of mud, water and debris that tore through villages, roads and tourist areas. Verified footage shows buses, buildings and entire market areas swept away in seconds.
Former honorary consul of Nepal to Auckland Dinesh Khadka told media he had received the names of five New Zealanders listed among the missing. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) has not yet confirmed this, officials say the New Zealand High Commission in New Delhi is urgently seeking information from Nepali authorities.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand is “deeply concerned” and has extended condolences to affected families. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon described the images emerging from the region as “heartbreaking,” urging New Zealanders in Nepal to follow local instructions and contact loved ones as soon as possible.
Nepal’s tourism authority says 403 tourists were unaccounted for in the initial hours after the flood, including 341 foreigners. Those missing include travellers from India, Malaysia, the UK, South Africa, South Korea, the United States and Australia. At least 93 Nepalis are also missing.
Rescue teams are working through deep mud and debris to reach survivors, with the Nepali Army conducting airlifts and evacuations. Entire villages have been destroyed, and hydropower stations and roads have suffered severe damage. Aid agencies warn rural communities — already living on the edge — will be “deeply impacted” as access routes, markets and homes have been wiped out.
Scientists say the event may have been triggered by a landslide blocking a river, creating a sudden outburst flood. They also warn of a second potential flood due to an upstream blockage still lodged in the river system.
New Zealanders in Nepal are urged to contact family when possible and seek consular support if needed. MFAT’s 24/7 emergency line is +64 99 20 20 20.
As rescue efforts continue, Nepal faces days — and likely weeks — of searching for survivors in one of the region’s most devastating disasters in recent years.
