October 16, 2014 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), today issued the following statement in response to yesterday’s avalanche in Nepal:
“On behalf of all Canadians, I extend my thoughts and prayers to those who have lost friends and family members as a result of yesterday’s avalanche in Nepal.
“Our government continues to closely monitor the situation, and Canadian consular officials, both in Ottawa and in Nepal, remain in contact with local authorities and trekking companies to obtain more information. In addition, consular personnel are on the ground in Kathmandu to provide assistance and we stand prepared to send additional resources, if required.
“We are aware of Canadians who were affected by this avalanche. Consular officials remain in contact with family and friends and continue to provide assistance during this difficult time.
“We urge Canadian citizens who are in the affected area to contact and reassure their loved ones, even if they have not been directly involved in this event.”
Canadian citizens in Nepal affected by the avalanche and requiring emergency consular assistance should contact the Consulate of Canada in Kathmandu at 977-1-444-1976, the High Commission of Canada in India at +91-11-4178-2000 or call Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada’s (DFATD’s) Emergency Watch and Response Centre, collect, at 613-996-8885. An email can also be sent to sos@international.gc.ca.
Friends and relatives in Canada concerned about Canadian citizens believed to have been affected by the avalanche should contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre via the telephone number or email address above, or call 1-800-387-3124 toll-free within Canada.
DFATD recommends that Canadian citizens travelling or living abroad register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive the latest advice from the Canadian office responsible for the area in which they are located. They can also consult the relevant country Travel Advice and Advisories or follow travel.gc.ca on Twitter for the latest updates on travel advice and warnings.
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