Penny Wong confirms at least 34 Australians in Nepal are missing after flash flood – video

Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has confirmed that at least 34 Australians are among those missing after flash floods swept through the Nepal-Tibet border. The floods, triggered by a glacial collapse, have left hundreds of people missing, with a confirmed death toll of at least 165. According to The Korea Times, nearly 1,500 people, including at least 800 foreigners, are missing across Nepal and China’s Tibet.

The floods have devastated local infrastructure and villages, mainly in the Rasuwa and Dhading districts near the Nepal-China border. Rescue efforts are underway, with police and military personnel, as well as helicopters, assisting in evacuations. However, operations are limited until floodwaters recede. The US Geological Survey and other sources confirm that the flood was caused by a glacial collapse and debris flow.

The Australian government has deployed extra Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade personnel to assist with the situation. Penny Wong said she does not want to confirm details of the missing Australians until the government has engaged with their next of kin.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Guardian Australia, The Korea Times, IOL, Live Mint, Moneyweb — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.