Australian officials ‘working around the clock’ to check welfare of tourists missing in Nepal
Dfat minister Matt Thistlethwaite says staff are liaising with Kathmandu to find 35 missing Australians, and plans to send emergency team to the region • Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast The Australian government is urgently seeking information on the welfare of at least 35 Australians missing in Nepal, after a catastrophic flash flood swept through the Nepal-Tibet border region. Assistant minister for foreign affairs, Matt Thistlethwaite, said on Thursday evening that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) was “working around the clock” to verify the status of the missing Australians. The figure is based on reports from the Nepali Tourism Board and officials on the ground. Continue reading...
Powerful floods in Himalayan border area sweep away houses, roads and bridges
Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates
Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast
Dozens of Australian tourists are reportedly missing in the deadly flash floods that swept through the Nepal-Tibet border, as the Australian government says it is urgently working to confirm their welfare.
According to the Nepal Tourist Board, as reported by Press Association, at least 403 people have been reported missing, with 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.
According to the tourist board, 203 of the missing are male and 200 female.
Also among the missing were 47 people from the US, 34 from Australia, 33 from the UK and 24 from Canada.
They include one Australian who was travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours + Travel, Agence France Presse reported.
Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said the government was urgently trying to confirm the welfare of Australians in Nepal.
In a statement issued on Thursday morning, she said: “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.
“Dfat officials are urgently working to confirm the welfare of Australians in the area.”
She said Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the consular emergency centre.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) said it is aware of a “number” of Australians in the area affected by the flooding, saying officials stand ready to provide consular assistance.
A Dfat spokesperson said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China.
“Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities.
“We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare. We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators.”
Earlier, Australia’s ambassador to Nepal , Simon Ernst, had said he was “deeply saddened” by the disaster.
A joint statement issued by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland and the UK in Nepal, posted on social media overnight by Ernst, said: “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 all those in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.”