15 Australians missing after flash flooding in Nepal, tour company confirms

A group of 15 Australians on a hiking tour in Nepal remains unaccounted for after catastrophic flash floods struck the country on Wednesday morning. The tour was organized by US-based Himalayan Glacier Adventures.

Company founder Sagar Pandey confirmed the 15 Australian clients were on a tour affected by the floods in the Langtang Valley. Among the missing Australians are two boys, aged 14 and 11, and a 64-year-old woman. The larger group of 47 people on the tour also included nine Nepalese, two from the United Kingdom, two from Singapore, and individuals from the United States and Russia. Pandey stated he has been unable to contact the group since the flooding began.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed that 34 Australians were missing following the flash flooding that occurred on the border of Nepal and China. The disaster has resulted in over 150 reported deaths across the affected regions. Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a statement, indicating that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is actively working to confirm the status of any Australians potentially impacted by the event.

"The loss of life and destruction caused by flash flooding in Nepal and China is devastating," Ms. Wong stated. "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."

DFAT has advised Australians in Nepal to exercise a high degree of caution due to significant risks, including road accidents and natural disasters, with infrastructure severely damaged. Transport services may be disrupted, and travelers are urged to confirm their arrangements. Other tour companies, such as G Adventures and World Expeditions, have confirmed the safety of their clients and staff, rerouting tours and closely monitoring the situation in coordination with local authorities.

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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.