Australian tourists are among hundreds of individuals reported missing following catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border, with the Australian government confirming it is actively working to verify their safety.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed on Thursday that 34 Australians remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the disaster.
According to the Nepal Tourist Board, 403 people are currently missing, including 341 foreign nationals. The breakdown shows 203 males and 200 females among the missing.
Other affected nationalities include 47 individuals from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, and 24 from Canada, based on the tourist board’s latest figures.
The group includes at least one Australian traveler who was part of a tour organized by Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel.
Albanese acknowledged that obtaining information from Nepal remains challenging, stating: “Our thoughts are with all those concerned about their loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Australian government continues to coordinate with local authorities and tour operators to confirm the welfare of its citizens in the region.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China,” Albanese said in an official statement.
Nepal’s embassy in Canberra has requested urgent assistance from the Australian government in response to the floods.
“We are reaching out to the Australian government and hope they will provide assistance. We are in communication with them,” said the embassy’s second secretary, Saroj Paneru.
Paneru indicated that Nepal is seeking both financial support and technical expertise to aid in search and rescue operations for the missing.
Australians in the affected area have been advised to follow instructions from local authorities closely.
In a statement released Thursday morning, Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed deep concern over the situation: “The loss of life and destruction caused by flash flooding in Nepal and China is devastating. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed or missing, and all affected by this disaster.”
She emphasized that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials are urgently working to confirm the welfare of Australians in the region.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed it is monitoring a number of Australian citizens in the impacted area and stated that consular assistance is available immediately.
Earlier, Australia’s ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, described himself as “deeply saddened” by the scale of the disaster.
A joint statement issued by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK in Nepal—shared on social media overnight by Ernst—read: “We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas.”
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster. We express our solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.”
“We encourage everyone in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation develops.”
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