Australia dispatches aid to Nepal as 39 citizens missing
SYDNEY, Aug 28 (Reuters) - Australia will provide $3.6 million in aid for communities hit by floods along the Nepal-China border and deploy extra consular staff to the area, Foreign Minister Penny Wong said on Friday as the number of missing Australians rose to 39.
Sydney, Aug 28 - Australia plans to offer $3.6 million in aid for communities affected by floods along the Nepal-China border, following the tragic loss of 359 lives and disappearance of nearly 1,000 people, half of whom are foreigners. The disaster, triggered by a glacier collapse, has tested the limits of the response and recovery efforts. Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the aid package in a joint statement with International Development Minister Anne Aly.
Wong emphasized the immense challenges posed by the disaster and the region's remoteness. At least 39 Australians are among the missing, an increase from the earlier estimate of 34. The Australian government will split the funds between the United Nations World Food Programme and Australian NGOs.
An Australian crisis response specialist has already arrived in Kathmandu, while a team of three humanitarian workers will join them within 48 hours to assist the Australian personnel already present.
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