CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
The Australian Government has announced a further $3 million in humanitarian assistance following the devastating floods along the Nepal-China border.
Currently, 42 Australians remain unaccounted for as a result of the tragedy.
“The Australian Government continues to do everything we can to confirm their welfare and support their loved ones,” the Government said in a statement.
“This is an extremely anxious time for their families and loved ones. They are understandably desperate for news, and our thoughts are very much with them.”
There are now 12 Australian response team personnel – including crisis response, consular officers and Australian Federal Police – in Kathmandu to support the crisis response, in addition to staff already there.
Communities in affected areas face heightened risks following the floods, while damage to roads and bridges has complicated the delivery of emergency assistance.
The Government of Nepal has requested emergency supplies including hygiene kits and solar lighting solutions.
Australia’s additional assistance includes $2 million to provide these supplies and other humanitarian support, to be delivered by the Australian Defence Force.
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will transport the first of these supplies from Queensland in the coming days.
There has been an overwhelming response from the Australian people to the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) appeal, which has reached $1.4 million in donations from the public alone.
In response, the Australian Government will provide a further $1 million to the EAA appeal, bringing our contribution to $2 million.
Funds are supporting Australian NGO partners to work with local organisations who are leading recovery and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.
Today’s additional funding package brings the Australian Government’s humanitarian support for this disaster to $8 million.
