FOREIGN Affair Minister Anita Anand on Friday said that the government is “aware of 32 Canadian citizens, some of whom are permanent residents, in Nepal and China whose whereabouts have not yet been confirmed” after massive flash floods swept through Nepal and China on Wednesday.

She said Global Affairs Canada consular officials are working around the clock to locate and assist them and support their families in Canada.

BBC reported around 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time that at least 1,924 people are missing in Nepal, according to the country’s disaster relief agency. Among them are at least 517 foreign nationals. The death toll in Nepal has risen to 579 and at least five people have died in Tibet, with 558 reported missing there.

Anand said: “Five consular officials are deployed in Kathmandu and are working closely with local authorities, partners, airlines and tour operators to reach Canadians who have been cut off from communications. Our 24-hour Emergency Watch and Response Centre (EWRC) is available to Canadians and their families. If you have loved ones in the region, please contact the EWRC at 613-996-8885.”

She added: “Our thoughts are with the people of Nepal and China and everyone affected by the catastrophic flash floods. In this context, our government is providing $5 million in urgent humanitarian assistance to support emergency relief efforts in Nepal, including life-saving food, shelter, water, sanitation and health services for those affected.”