Hundreds remain unaccounted for after flash flooding struck the Nepal-Tibet border, forcing a rapid escalation of search operations and raising urgent consular questions for multiple governments. Nepal’s army and police have been deployed to support rescuers as teams race to reach villages where houses, roads and bridges were swept away.
The Nepal Tourist Board, as reported by Press Association, put the number of missing at 403, of whom 341 are foreign nationals. The board’s breakdown lists 203 male and 200 female among the missing. Nationalities reported among those unaccounted include 47 US citizens, 34 Australians, 33 Britons and 24 Canadians. One Australian was travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel.
Australia’s prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said on Thursday morning there were 34 Australians missing and described getting information from Nepal as “difficult”, adding “our thoughts are with all those who will be concerned about their loved ones today”. The Australian government said it was urgently working to confirm the welfare of its citizens, with Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade officials standing ready to provide consular assistance.
Nepal’s embassy in Canberra has requested urgent assistance from Australia. The embassy’s second secretary, Saroj Paneru, said the mission was seeking financial and technical support and was trying to verify how many Australians were caught up in the disaster. “The tourism industry in Nepal is working to collect information about anyone who was in the affected area,” he said, and that once details were compiled the embassy would share them with Canberra and the embassy in Kathmandu.
Foreign minister Penny Wong said in a statement, “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.” Australians in the area have been urged to follow advice from local authorities and to contact the consular emergency centre if they need assistance.
Australia’s ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, posted on social media a joint message from several embassies: “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.”
Rescue teams and diplomats say the next stage is identification and account-keeping, as tour operators and authorities compile passenger lists and casualty reports. With critical infrastructure damaged, access to affected valleys will remain constrained, prolonging searches and complicating aid until roads and bridges are restored or alternative routes are secured.
