MONETABRIEF – Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the government to give one million dollar grant aid for humanitarian relief efforts after Nepal was hit by massive debris floods that has left hundreds dead and over a thousand missing.

"The President expressed his deep sorrow at the tragic loss of lives and the suffering caused by the disaster, and conveyed the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Sri Lanka…," a statement from the foreign ministry said.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath spoke with Nepalese counterpart Shisir Khanal, conveying Sri Lanka’s condolences, steadfast support and solidarity with Nepal.

"The Government of Sri Lanka will remain engaged closely with the Government of Nepal and continue to explore appropriate avenues through which Sri Lanka can contribute to the relief and recovery efforts," the statement said.

As of Friday 389 people have been confirmed dead and about a 1000 missing.

Nepal Tourism Board has said that 644 tourists are out of contact, after border checkpoint was hit by overflowing wall of water and debris, though some could have moved into China and may be out of contact.

These included 178 from India, 127 from Nepal, 65 from United States, 53 from Ukraine, 51 from Malaysia, 35 from Australia, 33 from UK, 25 from Canada, 9 from Singapore, 8 from Russia, 8 from Germany, 6 from Latvia and 6 from South Africa.

On Wednesday, there was a 4.4 magnitude earthquake near the border with China at exactly 8:37 am Nepal Time which coincided with a huge avalanche on the north face of Langtang mountain.

The avalanche had blocked the Lhende Khola river full of monsoon water that feeds into Trisuli River, Nepal Times reports.

The dammed up water then burst out and rushed down Trisuli River destroying everything in its wake and carrying more debris and mud.

There had been Himayalan tsunami like debris flows linked a glacial collapse without an earthquake trigger, the report said.

These include Chamoli 2021, Melamchi 2021, Sikkim 2023, Thame 2024, Bhote Kosi 2025, which happened around Monsoon.

Scientists have traced a flood last July to an enlarged pond that formed on top of a glacier (supraglacial pond) that got bigger and burst sending a destructive debris avalanche down down in a phenomeon now called Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

If a river is blocked by such an avalanche the destruction is amplified.

Scientists are debating whether the 2026 events was caused by an earthquake or whether the earthquake was caused by the avalanche, Nepal Times said.

(Colombo/Aug27/2026)