Australian aid boosted as Nepal flood rescue continues
Allanah Sciberras |
Australia has sent more aid to Nepal, including a team of drone operators, to help with search operations as conditions remain “extremely challenging” following devastating floods.
At least 38 Australians are still missing and the total death toll from the disaster has surpassed 1200, the government said on Thursday morning.
Rescue teams are searching for more than 4200 people missing after a glacier collapse near Nepal’s border with China triggered devastating floods across towns and valleys.
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Thursday that a team of specialist drone operators are being deployed to help with the effort.
The 15-person team will include members of state fire and rescue departments and will use advanced technology to provide rapid mapping and imaging.
There remains no change in the number of missing Australians, after five citizens were confirmed safe on Wednesday.
“Australian officials are working closely with authorities in Nepal and China to support efforts to establish their whereabouts and provide assistance to their families,” Senator Wong said.
“The conditions facing search and recovery teams remain extremely challenging.
“Communications are difficult, infrastructure has been destroyed and many areas are still difficult to reach.”
Aid supplies aboard a Royal Australian Air Force plane arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday, carrying humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
More than 1400 hygiene kits, 2200 solar lights and phone chargers were among the items on board.
Australians have donated more than $4 million to the Emergency Action Alliance to support recovery efforts.
The federal government will provide a further $3 million to match public donations, bringing the ongoing humanitarian support package to a total of $11 million.
Grieving community members in Australia continue to cling to hope their loved ones are safe.
“Lots of people are stuck in the tunnels over there as well, and most don’t have any contact … we are still hopeful that maybe we can get good news,” Non-Resident Nepali Association Victorian co-ordinator Mahadev Dhanuk told AAP.
The tight-knit Victorian Nepali community of less than 30,000 is wrapping its arms around those affected by the tragedy, with hundreds uniting at a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims in Melbourne on Monday.
“Many are not personally affected, but culturally we feel like one family. That’s why everyone is devastated,” Mr Dhanuk said.
“All of the community is trying to overcome their own plight and trying to help and think how can we stand with Nepal?”
AAP