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Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has confirmed that 39 Australians are now missing following the devastating flooding in Nepal.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Yesterday the number was reported to be 35, but Wong has since confirmed the number is higher.<\/p>\n \u201cWe understand at least 39 Australians are among those reported missing. Australian officials are working urgently to confirm their welfare and provide assistance to those affected,\u201d Wong said in a statement on Friday morning.<\/p>\n The four additional Australians were travelling separately to the\u00a0Himalayan Glacier Adventures tour and Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travel group.<\/p>\n She also warned that more missing Australians was an \u201cunfortunate possibility\u201d.<\/p>\n Wong confirmed the government was \u201crapidly mobilising consular and humanitarian support in response to the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border, including through a $5 million assistance package for affected communities\u201d.<\/p>\n Children aged 11-14 were among the 15 Australians on a tour in Nepal with the US-based Himalayan Glacier tourism operator when the catastrophic floods hit, according to Himalayan Glacier founder and chief executive Sagar Pandey.<\/p>\n Pandey himself flew by helicopter to the effected region to help with the search efforts, however the helicopter was not permitted to land.<\/p>\n More than 1300 people, including 667 foreigners are still unaccounted for. The total death toll has risen to 389.<\/p>\n The flooding hit a popular trekking corridor, with Nepal\u2019s tourism board saying many of those missing were likely tourists visiting the region, including hikers in Langtang National Park and pilgrims travelling to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Rescue efforts have been hampered by damaged infrastructure and the risk of further flooding, with experts warning a blockage still lodged upstream could trigger a second surge.<\/p>\n Agents and operators with clients or groups travelling in the affected region are advised to check DFAT\u2019s Smartraveller advisory for Nepal, and to reach out directly to on-ground partners and tour operators for updates.<\/p>\n The site was updated to say major flash flooding and a mudslide in Rasuwa District and the Nepal-China border has caused significant damage.<\/p>\n \u201cThere have been a number of deaths and injuries reported,\u201d it said. \u201cRoads, transport and infrastructure are significantly damaged. Transport services may be disrupted or cancelled. Contact your airline, bus operator or other transport provider to confirm schedules and travel arrangements before departure. If you\u2019re travelling as part of a tour, contact your tour operator or travel agent for updates and support. Avoid flood affected areas. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.<\/p>\n If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu on +977 1 437 1678 or the Australian Government\u2019s Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 (if you\u2019re overseas) or 1300 555 135 (in Australia).<\/p>\n \u201cWe continue to advise \u2018exercise a high degree of caution\u2019 overall in Nepal due to the risk of road accidents and natural disasters,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n Intrepid launches Nepal fundraising appeal<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nCheck DFAT Smartraveller<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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