by Theleaders | August 28, 2026 11:35 am
SINGAPORE, Aug 28 — Nine Singaporeans were among those reported missing in Nepal after devastating flash floods swept through the country’s border with Tibet.
The latest figure came as rescuers searched for hundreds of people missing after a tsunami-like wall of water and mud swept through villages and towns along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers last Wednesday.
Two Singaporeans were among a tour group of 47 people reported missing in the disaster, while another two were travelling with a separate group operated by Himalayan Trekkers, according to AFP and Singapore-based news outlet CNA.
“At this time they are still missing,” Himalayan Glacier managing director Sanket Pandey told AFP, adding that the company’s team was checking hospitals where victims were being taken.
Most of the Himalayan Glacier group were staying in the flood-hit Rasuwagadhi area, while several others were travelling towards the town when the floods struck.
The group comprised two Singaporeans, 15 Australians, 10 Canadians, nine Nepali, eight Americans, two Britons, and a Russian-American dual citizen, with seven Nepali guides also among those missing.
Separately, two Singaporeans travelling with Himalayan Trekkers were caught in the affected area as part of a 26-member group that also included Malaysians, five Nepali guides, a Tibetan guide and a driver.
“We haven’t been able to get in touch with anyone,” a Himalayan Trekkers spokesman told CNA.
The company said its last contact with one of its Nepali guides was at about 8am local time two days ago, with the guide later sending a message to a family member at about 8.34am saying the group was crossing the border.
Minutes later, local authorities informed the company that floodwaters had reached the border crossing area.
Himalayan Trekkers arranged for a helicopter to conduct aerial surveillance, but the extent of the destruction made it difficult to locate the group.
“Unfortunately, from the air, the area appeared to be covered almost entirely by sand and mud,” the unnamed spokesman was quoted as saying.
The company said much of the infrastructure had been destroyed, leaving little visible that could help locate or identify the missing travellers.
“We are holding on to hope and doing everything we can,” the company said in a separate Instagram post.
Himalayan Glacier founder Sagar Pandey, who is also president of trekking agencies in Nepal, flew over the affected area by helicopter but was unable to land.
Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Thursday advised Singaporeans in Nepal to exercise a high degree of caution, remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow instructions from local authorities.
The ministry said they should avoid flood-affected areas such as Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan.
MFA also strongly encouraged Singaporeans travelling to or living in Nepal to eRegister with the ministry and advised those requiring consular assistance to contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi or its 24-hour Duty Office.
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