Dozens of Australian tourists are reportedly missing in the deadly flash floods that swept through the Nepal-Tibet border, as the Australian government says it is urgently working to confirm their welfare.
According to the Nepal Tourist Board, as reported by Press Association, at least 403 people have been reported missing, with 341 foreign nationals unaccounted for.
According to the tourist board, 203 of the missing are male and 200 female.
Also among the missing were 47 people from the US, 34 from Australia, 33 from the UK and 24 from Canada.
They include one Australian who was travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel, Agence France-Presse reported.
The Australian prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said the government was liaising with local authorities and tour operators to confirm the welfare of Australians in Nepal.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China,” he said in a statement.
Australians in the region have been urged to follow the advice of local authorities.
In a statement on Thursday morning, Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, said: “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.”
She said Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the consular emergency centre.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Dfat) said was is aware of a “number” of Australians in the area affected by the flooding, saying officials stood ready to provide consular assistance.
A Dfat spokesperson said: “We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China.
“Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities.
“We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare. We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators.”
Earlier, Australia’s ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, had said he was “deeply saddened” by the disaster.
A joint statement issued by the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Norway, Switzerland and the UK in Nepal, posted on social media overnight by Ernst, said: “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.”