Live: Australia releases $5m in humanitarian aid after Nepal-Tibet flood

The Australian federal government has announced a $5 million humanitarian aid package to aid recovery efforts following the deadly flood in Nepal and Tibet. Foreign Minister Penny Wong revealed that the number of missing Australians has risen from 35 to 39, with the government now accounting for an additional four who were traveling for a tour.

Wong stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is managing 43 consular cases related to the incident. The Australian government is deploying additional staff to Nepal, with four officers arriving within the next 24 hours and another team to follow in the coming days. The initial team of three humanitarian response specialists will arrive within the next 48 hours to assist Australian staff already working in the region.

Wong emphasized the urgent need to identify the welfare of any Australians not accounted for and confirmed that the federal government will provide assistance in the form of food, emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation, and medical support.