Key facts
- At least 41 Australians are missing following flash floods in Nepal.
- The death toll from the floods has risen to nearly 400.
- Rescue operations are ongoing but hampered by the risk of further flooding.
- The Australian government is deploying additional consular and humanitarian aid specialists.
- Australia has pledged $5 million in aid for the disaster.
The number of Australians missing in Nepal's devastating floods has risen to 41, as rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions and fears of further deluges. The Australian government is increasing its support, deploying more personnel and providing substantial aid.
One Australian, Cara Severino, 25, has been confirmed safe after making contact with her parents, having trekked away from the disaster zone. However, three additional Australians were reported missing overnight, increasing the total from 38 to 41.
Rescue efforts are being hampered by the scale of the damage and the risk of new flooding, with the Red Cross estimating around 600 people dead and up to 93,000 affected. Nepal's disaster management agency reports 1,924 people unaccounted for, including 517 foreign tourists.
Outside a hospital in Kathmandu, anxious families are putting up posters of loved ones, awaiting news. Australian charities are beginning to provide aid, focusing on emergency shelters, food, water, and medical care.
Australia has pledged $5 million in humanitarian assistance. Foreign Minister Penny Wong has spoken with her Nepali counterpart to affirm further support for rescue and recovery efforts.