At least five New Zealand citizens remain unaccounted for following a devastating flash flood near the Nepal-China border on August 25, officials confirmed. The disaster, caused by a glacial collapse, has resulted in a death toll of at least 180 across both Nepal and China, with over 1,300 people still missing, including a significant number of foreign tourists.
Dinesh Khadka, the former Honorary Consul of Nepal to Auckland, verified that Nepalese police have identified five Kiwis among those missing. “It is a very tragic situation and our thoughts are with their families and all those affected by the flooding,” Khadka said, adding that New Zealand authorities are closely monitoring updates from Nepal.
The flash flood swept through the Himalayan region, destroying entire villages and prompting a massive rescue operation involving more than 1,000 personnel equipped with dogs and drones. Surveillance footage from the Chinese side captured dozens of people fleeing the sudden surge of mud and debris.
Among the New Zealanders missing is Suhasini Reddy Kandimalla, a mother of two who had been living in Australia for four years. She was trekking with the group Kailash Journeys and was last seen in the Dhunche and Syabrubesi areas on the fourth day of a 15-day expedition. Her brother, Rajeev Reddy, expressed deep concern, noting that she was expected to meet Chinese immigration officials around 11 a.m. local time on the day of the flood but has not been heard from since. Efforts to locate her through hotels and contacts have so far been unsuccessful.
Auckland resident Dejan Kuzmic is also among those missing. He was part of the Isha Foundation’s Sacred Walks pilgrimage group traversing towards Mt Kailash, which holds religious significance for Hindus. A family friend said Kuzmic was at a border crossing severely affected by the flood at the estimated time of the disaster.
Additionally, a couple from Hamilton, Mihir and Kinnari Patel, who were on a mountain pilgrimage in Nepal to celebrate a birthday, have not been reached. Their son, Drishya Patel, said his parents were traveling for about a week and were last in contact the day before the flood. The last known message from Kinnari Patel originated near Timure, indicating plans to travel toward Kerung.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reported that at least 34 Australians are missing, underscoring the international scale of the crisis.
Save the Children New Zealand is mobilizing emergency aid, including tents and blankets, to assist thousands of people displaced by the floods. Heather Campbell, CEO of the organization, warned that as many as 50,000 individuals may have lost their homes or been forced to flee, highlighting the urgent humanitarian need.
New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is coordinating with Nepalese authorities and has urged all New Zealanders in Nepal to stay in contact with their families, follow local guidance, and reach out to the ministry if assistance is required. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon acknowledged the severity of the situation through social media, reflecting the nation’s concern as rescue efforts continue amid ongoing uncertainty about the fate of many caught in the floods.