Australians Missing in Nepal Floods, Aid Increased

The number of Australians unaccounted for in the devastating floods in Nepal has climbed to 43. The Department of Foreign Affairs has received over 650 calls regarding the disaster. Official reports indicate that at least 810 people have died, with over 3,000 still missing following a significant glacier collapse in the Himalayas that triggered flash floods. This catastrophe engulfed Gyirong port on the Nepal-China border.

In response, Australia is increasing its humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong announced an additional $3 million in aid, supplementing the previously pledged $5 million, making the total Australian aid package $8 million. This new funding includes $2 million for essential supplies like hygiene kits and solar lighting, to be coordinated by the Australian Defence Force and transported by the Royal Australian Air Force from Queensland. Additionally, the Australian government will contribute $1 million to the Emergency Action Alliance appeal, which has already garnered $1.4 million from public donations.

A team of 14 Australian personnel, comprising crisis response experts, consular officers, and Australian Federal Police, are on the ground in Kathmandu to support humanitarian efforts, with two more set to join them this week. However, access to the flood-affected areas remains a significant challenge. Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, stated that Australian personnel have not yet been able to reach the Nepal flood zone due to impassable roads and downed telecommunication infrastructure, compounded by the impact on power stations. He also mentioned that six Australians are missing on the Chinese side of the border, but Chinese authorities have indicated they do not currently require Australian assistance in that area.