Five Australians confirmed safe after Nepal floods, while 38 remain unaccounted for

Five Australians previously unaccounted for after devastating floods in Nepal have been confirmed safe. Their cases reduce the number of Australians still missing from 43 to 38.

One of the five was found in Nepal, another in Tibet and another in China. Three were located outside the area affected by the crisis. None had spoken with family members or next of kin since the disaster struck seven days earlier.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has received almost 800 calls related to the floods. Eighteen Australian personnel have travelled to Nepal to support staff already working there, and further humanitarian and disaster-relief supplies are due to arrive.

The live news coverage also reported a separate government announcement at the Pacific Islands Forum in Palau. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $600 million package to help Pacific countries combat transnational drug trafficking. The opt-in support will include aerial surveillance and training for police and border agencies.

Pacific Minister Pat Conroy said drug trafficking was having “a devastating impact on Pacific communities.” He said the initiative responded to requests from regional leaders for more support and coordination. The Australian Federal Police reported that local and international authorities seized about 4.6 tonnes of illicit drugs in 2025, while 17 tonnes had been seized in the first five months of this year, mostly cocaine.

The coverage also said drug testing would resume at up to 15 New South Wales music festivals each year from October. The program will not expand into the wider community, and sniffer dogs will continue to operate at festivals.

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a devastating impact on Pacific communities