Dozens of Australians Feared Among Hundreds of Foreign Tourists Missing in Nepal Flash Floods

Numerous Australian tourists are reportedly among the hundreds of foreign nationals unaccounted for after devastating flash floods swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region. The Australian government has stated it is actively and urgently working to verify the safety and well-being of its citizens in the affected areas.

According to initial reports from the Nepal Tourist Board, approximately 403 individuals are currently listed as missing, with a significant portion, 341, being foreign nationals. The missing individuals are almost equally divided between genders, with 203 males and 200 females reported.

Among the nationalities listed as missing are 47 individuals from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, and 24 from Canada. One Australian tourist, who was reportedly travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours + Travel, is also among those missing.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, expressed the government's deep concern and confirmed that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials are working urgently to ascertain the welfare of Australians in Nepal. In a statement, she conveyed condolences to the families of those affected and stated, "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed or missing and all affected by this disaster."

Australians requiring emergency consular assistance have been advised to contact the consular emergency centre. A DFAT spokesperson acknowledged awareness of a "number" of Australians in the flood-affected zone and reiterated the department's readiness to provide consular support, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China." They also urged Australians in the area to follow the guidance of local authorities and are coordinating with local authorities and tour operators.

Earlier, Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, shared his profound sadness over the disaster. A joint statement released by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in Nepal, conveyed solidarity with the people of Nepal and urged those in affected areas to adhere to official safety advisories as the situation develops.

English Translation:

Numerous Australian tourists are reportedly among the hundreds of foreign nationals unaccounted for after devastating flash floods swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region. The Australian government has stated it is actively and urgently working to verify the safety and well-being of its citizens in the affected areas.

According to initial reports from the Nepal Tourist Board, approximately 403 individuals are currently listed as missing, with a significant portion, 341, being foreign nationals. The missing individuals are almost equally divided between genders, with 203 males and 200 females reported.

Among the nationalities listed as missing are 47 individuals from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, and 24 from Canada. One Australian tourist, who was reportedly travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours + Travel, is also among those missing.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, expressed the government's deep concern and confirmed that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) officials are working urgently to ascertain the welfare of Australians in Nepal. In a statement, she conveyed condolences to the families of those affected and stated, "Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed or missing and all affected by this disaster."

Australians requiring emergency consular assistance have been advised to contact the consular emergency centre. A DFAT spokesperson acknowledged awareness of a "number" of Australians in the flood-affected zone and reiterated the department's readiness to provide consular support, stating, "We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China." They also urged Australians in the area to follow the guidance of local authorities and are coordinating with local authorities and tour operators.

Earlier, Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, shared his profound sadness over the disaster. A joint statement released by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom in Nepal, conveyed solidarity with the people of Nepal and urged those in affected areas to adhere to official safety advisories as the situation develops.