Nepal Flood Update: Five New Zealanders Remain Missing

Five New Zealanders remain missing after the deadly flash flood at the Nepal-China border, according to RNZ reporting based on updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) and the Nepal Tourism Board. The situation remains distressing for families, friends and communities in New Zealand and overseas, and officials have cautioned that verified information may take more time to emerge.

RNZ reported that 289 foreign nationals had been rescued, according to an early Monday update from the Nepal Tourism Board. No New Zealanders had been included in that rescue number at the time of the report. MFAT said there had been no change to the status of the five missing New Zealanders and that reports from the ground remained bleak.

This is not an Immigration NZ policy change and it does not change New Zealand Visa settings. However, it is a significant reminder for migrants, international families and New Zealand residents with loved ones overseas that official consular information is the safest source during fast-moving emergencies.

What has changed

MFAT has confirmed there is still no new verified information about the five missing New Zealanders. The missing New Zealanders named in the RNZ report are Dejan Kuzmic, Shweta Mhatre, Mihir Patel, Kinnari Patel and Suhasini Reddy.

MFAT said members of New Zealand Police had arrived in Kathmandu as part of its consular team. Their role is to work with authorities and partners to gather information and support families. MFAT also confirmed that two people reported as missing in China on the Tibet-Nepal border are part of the five missing New Zealanders.

Further details reported by RNZ show that some of the missing New Zealanders were travelling for pilgrimage or hiking-related reasons. Dejan Kuzmic was part of an Isha Foundation walking group that had completed the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarova sacred walk. Shweta Mhatre, from Auckland, was also understood to be part of the Isha Foundation’s Sacred Walks pilgrimage. Mihir and Kinnari Patel, a Hamilton couple, were visiting Nepal for Kinnari’s birthday. Suhasini Reddy was believed to be in the Dhunche area, heading toward the Nepal-China border, on Wednesday morning local time.

RNZ reported that communication has been extremely difficult. Families and friends had not heard from those missing since the flooding. A former honorary consul of Nepal to New Zealand said the immigration checkpoint in the area had been completely swept away, and contact with people in the affected area had not been possible.

What this means for migrants

For migrants, visa holders, international professionals and families connected across countries, this update highlights the importance of reliable emergency planning and official communication. Many people living in New Zealand have family overseas, travel internationally for religious, family or professional reasons, or are supporting relatives who are moving between countries.

At this stage, the RNZ report does not indicate any change to Immigration NZ instructions, New Zealand Visa processing, border settings or migration pathways. People planning to move to New Zealand should continue to rely on official Immigration NZ information for visa matters and official MFAT or local authority updates for consular and overseas emergency matters.

In a crisis, social media can move quickly, but not all information is verified. MFAT’s statement specifically noted that various information was circulating online about people rescued and recovered, but there was no new verified information on the missing New Zealanders. This is a practical reminder to avoid relying on unconfirmed posts when making decisions about travel, family contact or immigration-related timing.

For people with visa applications in progress, an overseas emergency may affect practical steps such as obtaining documents, travelling for biometrics or medicals, attending appointments, or communicating with family members. These situations are individual. If your New Zealand Visa plans are affected by events overseas, it is sensible to seek personalised guidance rather than make assumptions about deadlines or next steps.

What to do next

If you are concerned about someone overseas, use official channels where possible. Check MFAT and relevant local authority updates, keep records of last contact, and share verified information with the appropriate consular or emergency contacts. Avoid spreading unconfirmed names, locations or rescue claims unless they have been confirmed by official sources or the family has clearly authorised sharing.

If your own immigration plans are affected by travel disruption, missing documents, family emergency, or a change in your ability to meet New Zealand Visa requirements on time, get advice early. Immigration timing can be sensitive, and the right next step may depend on your visa category, location, evidence, and current status. You can start by using Immigration Management’s adviser matching service here: get matched with a licensed immigration adviser.

At a human level, this is a difficult and uncertain time for the families and communities affected. As more verified information becomes available, it should be treated with care, dignity and respect for those directly involved.

Ready to move to New Zealand? Start your assessment to get matched with a licensed immigration adviser suited to your situation.