Australian Government Confirms 34 Nationals Missing in Nepal Flash Floods

Dozens of Australian citizens are reportedly missing in the devastating flash floods that have ravaged the Nepal-Tibet border region. The Australian government is actively working to ascertain the well-being of its nationals who may be affected by the disaster.

According to reports from the Nepal Tourist Board, a total of 403 people are currently unaccounted for, with 341 of them being foreign nationals. Among the missing, the breakdown includes 203 males and 200 females. Specific figures indicate that 47 individuals from the United States, 34 from Australia, 33 from the United Kingdom, and 24 from Canada are also among those whose whereabouts are unknown.

One Australian tourist, traveling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours + Travel, is confirmed to be among the missing, as reported by Agence France Presse.

Australia's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong, stated that the government is making urgent efforts to confirm the safety of Australians in Nepal. In a statement released on Thursday morning, she expressed her devastation at the loss of life and destruction caused by the floods in Nepal and China, extending her thoughts to the families of those affected. She confirmed that Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) officials are working diligently to verify the welfare of Australians in the affected region and advised those needing emergency consular assistance to contact the consular emergency center.

Dfat has acknowledged being aware of a "number" of Australians in the flood-affected area and is prepared to offer consular assistance. A Dfat spokesperson conveyed deep sympathies to those impacted by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China. They urged Australians in the affected zone to heed the guidance of local authorities and emphasized that Australian officials are actively collaborating with local authorities and tour operators to confirm the welfare of their citizens.

Earlier, Australia's Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, conveyed his profound sadness regarding the tragedy. A joint statement released by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK in Nepal, shared by Ambassador Ernst on social media, expressed deep sorrow over the devastating flooding in the Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas. The statement extended solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult period and encouraged everyone in the affected regions to follow the instructions of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation continues to develop.