Australian Nepali community to hold vigils for flood victims as death toll rises
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirms 39 Australians are missing following devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet.
Quick Look
- Australia's Nepali community is organizing vigils for victims of the Nepal-Tibet floods, which have killed 469 people.
- Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced a $5m support package as the number of missing Australians rose to 39.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Massive flash floods and landslides occurred in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins on the Nepal-Tibet border. The death toll has reached 469 with over 1,300 people missing.
Australia’s Nepali community plan to host vigils to remember the victims of the Nepal-Tibet flood disaster to coincide with a day of mourning.
Nepal police said on Friday that the death toll had risen to 469, with more than 1,300 people still missing, after massive flash floods and landslides tore through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins.
As the Nepali diaspora wait for the full scale of the disaster to become clear, families are desperately waiting to hear from missing relatives and friends.
Dr Tilak Pokhrel, president of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, said community members “just want to say we are with you for those who are affected”. “Let’s work together, let’s pray together, and let’s go through this pain together.”
The foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, on Friday morning confirmed the number of Australians missing in the floods had increased from 35 to 39 as she unveiled a $5m support package.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Australian Nepali community will hold vigils.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- What is the final confirmed number of missing persons?
- How will the $5m aid package be distributed?
