Singapore deploys crisis team as Nepal-Tibet floods leave Singaporeans among missing foreigners

Singapore has deployed a crisis response team to assist Singaporeans affected by deadly floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) remains in contact with their families.

MFA said the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi and the Singapore Embassy in Beijing were working closely with Nepali and Chinese authorities following the disaster.

“The Singapore Government is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and extends its condolences to the loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” the ministry said in a statement on 27 August 2026.

Crisis response team deployed

The Singapore High Commission in New Delhi has deployed a crisis response team to provide consular assistance to affected Singaporeans in Nepal.

Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan had said earlier on 27 August that the Singapore Government was putting together a humanitarian assistance package to support relief efforts.

MFA said Singaporeans in need of consular assistance could contact the Singapore High Commission in New Delhi, the Singapore Embassy in Beijing or MFA’s 24-hour duty office in Tanglin.

The ministry also urged Singaporeans in affected areas to remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

“We strongly encourage Singaporeans in the affected areas to remain vigilant, monitor local news and follow the instructions of local authorities,” MFA said.

It advised Singaporeans to avoid flood-affected areas, rivers, riverbanks and low-lying areas. Singaporeans could also register with MFA to receive updates on the latest developments.

Foreigners remain uncontactable

According to Nepal Tourism Board statistics as of 5.40pm on 27 August, more than 540 foreigners, including nine Singaporeans, remained uncontactable more than 24 hours after a deadly flood struck the border region with Tibet.

MFA said Nepali authorities had cautioned that an upstream blockage remained on the Nepal-China border river, potentially creating a risk of a second flood.

The warning came as rescue teams searched through mud on 27 August for more than 1,400 people reported missing after flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-Tibet border.

According to Nepal police, the death toll had risen sharply to at least 389 by 9pm on 27 August.

Entire villages were swept away

The disaster devastated communities as a wall of freezing water and mud swept through the border region, engulfing homes, damaging bridges and dams and carrying away vehicles.

Experts warned of the risk of further floods a day after the disaster struck towns and villages with a torrent of water, mud and debris.

Many of those reported missing were foreign tourists, including scores of Hindu pilgrims travelling towards Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash.

According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), the disaster was caused by a glacial collapse that triggered a vast flow of icy debris.

Singapore Red Cross activates family links service

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) pledged $50,000 in humanitarian aid on 27 August to support response efforts.

SRC also activated its Restoring Family Links service to help reunite families separated by the disaster.

People who have lost contact with family members or have missing loved ones in Nepal or Tibet can contact SRC for support, regardless of nationality.

SRC said those seeking assistance could contact its Restoring Family Links service by email at [email protected]