Two more Australians have been found safe following the catastrophic Nepal-Tibet floods, but the Federal Government says it still holds “very serious concerns” for 36 citizens who remain unaccounted for.
The two Australians, who had previously been uncontactable, were located safe and well in Nepal overnight and do not require consular assistance.
Their discovery reduces the number of Australians still unaccounted for to 36 as the massive search and rescue operation continues across Nepal and Tibet.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers welcomed the breakthrough on Friday morning, saying it would bring enormous relief to the loved ones of those located, but warned serious concerns remained for those still missing.
“I can confirm two more Australians were located overnight. That would be a huge relief to the loved ones of these two Australians who’ve been located,” Mr Chalmers told ABC’s News Breakfast.
“But we still have very serious concerns for the 36 Australians that we haven’t been able to locate yet.
“There are thousands of people still missing in Nepal and in Tibet. Good news that two Australians have been located overnight. We are concerned for the 36 who are still unaccounted for.”
Australia is ramping up its presence on the ground, with a 15-person Australian Disaster Assistance Response Team expected to arrive in Kathmandu later on Friday to assist with the response.
A further seven Australian Federal Police disaster victim identification specialists are expected to arrive on Saturday morning.
Mr Chalmers said Australia had sent “some of its best people” to assist with search, rescue and recovery operations as authorities race to locate thousands of people still missing.
More than 1200 people have been confirmed dead across Nepal and Tibet following the disaster, while more than 5500 remain missing on both sides of the border.
The enormous number of people still unaccounted for has complicated rescue efforts, with Australian officials continuing to work to establish the whereabouts and safety of the remaining citizens.
While the discovery of two more Australians has provided fresh hope for families waiting for news, the Government says its focus remains on finding the 36 who are still unaccounted for.