Australians missing in Nepal floods rise to 43 as Penny Wong announces $3 million in extra aid

The number of Australians missing after Nepal’s deadly floods has risen to 43, as blocked roads and damaged communications continue to prevent Australian personnel from reaching the disaster zone.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received more than 650 calls related to the disaster. Nepali and Chinese authorities have confirmed at least 810 deaths, while more than 3,000 people are believed to be missing after flash floods triggered by a glacier collapse in the Himalayas engulfed Gyirong port on the Nepal-China border.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced an additional $3 million in assistance, bringing Australia’s total package to $8 million. The Australian Defence Force will coordinate $2 million worth of hygiene kits, solar lighting and other emergency supplies after a request from Nepal’s government. The Royal Australian Air Force will transport the first supplies from Queensland in the coming days.

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There has been about eight power stations that have been affected as well, so it’s very difficult to get into the area.

The remaining $1 million will go to the Emergency Action Alliance appeal, which has received $1.4 million in public donations. Fourteen Australian personnel, including crisis-response staff, consular officers and Australian Federal Police, are now in Kathmandu, with two more expected this week.

Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite said access remained difficult. “There has been about eight power stations that have been affected as well, so it’s very difficult to get into the area.” Australia also offered support to China after six Australians were reported missing on the Chinese side of the border, but Chinese authorities said they did not currently require it.

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offered support