Rescuers use an excavator to transport a flood survivor, following flash floods and a landslide disaster in Devghat, in the Nepal’s Nuwakot district on Aug. 26, 2026. Prakash Mathema/AFP
Thirty four Australians are feared missing after a massive wall of water tore through the Nepal-Tibet border, killing at least 160 people.
The flash flood struck without warning on Aug. 26, burying villages, severing bridges, and leaving rescue crews battling thick mud and floodwater to reach survivors.
Helicopters have largely been unable to reach the worst-hit areas due to treacherous terrain and high water levels.
Nepal’s tourism board says 403 tourists remain unaccounted for, including 341 foreign nationals.
A list provided by tourism board spokesman Sunil Sharma names 34 Australians among the missing, alongside 133 Indians, 47 Americans, 33 British, 24 Canadians, and 8 South Koreans.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed this figure on Aug. 27, describing the disaster as “truly horrific.”
“Nepal, you know, is a developing country, it doesn’t have the resources that an event like that would have in Australia,” he told reporters.
In a post to X, Albanese extended his deepest sympathies to those impacted.
“Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities,” he said.
“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. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”
Foreign Minister Penny Wong also expressed her condolences those impacted by the tragedy.
“The loss of life and destruction caused by flash flooding in Nepal and China is devastating,” she said on X.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed or missing and all affected by this disaster.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told the Epoch Times that officials are urgently liaising with local authorities and tour operators to confirm the welfare of Australians in the region.
Australians seeking emergency consular assistance can contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.
