Concern is growing for Australians caught up in the disaster along the Nepal-Tibet border. A Nepali tourism official says 403 people have been reported missing since the flash floods struck the region, including 341 foreign nationals. The list includes 34 Australians.
The latest figures were provided by Sunil Sharma, a spokesperson for Nepal’s tourism board, as search and rescue operations continue across the affected Himalayan region.
According to the list, those reported missing include:
- 34 Australians
- 133 Indians
- 47 Americans
- 33 British nationals
- 24 Canadians
Many of the Indian nationals were reportedly travelling on a pilgrimage to a sacred Hindu site in the region.
DFAT yet to confirm the Australian figure
The figure of 34 missing Australians has been provided by Nepali tourism authorities, but Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has not yet publicly confirmed the number.
Australian officials are expected to work with local authorities to verify the identities, locations and welfare of citizens who were in the area when the flooding struck.
Communications remain difficult in some of the affected zones, meaning the number of people initially listed as missing could change as contact is restored.
Search and rescue operations continue
The Nepal-Tibet border region has been hit by severe flash flooding and landslides, damaging roads and infrastructure and leaving some remote communities cut off.
Emergency crews are continuing efforts to reach isolated areas and locate those still unaccounted for.
The situation remains fluid and casualty and missing-person figures may change as authorities gather more information.
For Australia, attention is now focused on the 34 citizens listed as missing, with families awaiting confirmation from DFAT and local authorities.
