Search and rescue operations are still ongoing after last month’s devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods in Central Nepal.
The 26 August tsunami-like surge of water, mud and debris — which began on the Nepal-China border — has killed more than 1,300 people and left 5,130, including 587 foreigners, missing so far, according to Nepali authorities.
The number of Australians unaccounted for remains at 35 at the time of this publication.
Neither Nepal nor China has confirmed that any Australians are among the deceased.
Australian disaster response specialists deployed to Nepal to support rescue efforts are currently on the ground, helping authorities assess damage and reach areas too dangerous to access on foot.
Using advanced drone technology, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and Queensland Fire Department (QFD) drone teams, attached to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) assistance mission to Nepal, are supporting local emergency efforts and recovery operations.
SBS Nepali sat down with Superintendent Tim Hassiotis, the Operations Officer for the FRNSW Incident Management Team, who is currently deployed in Nepal as part of Australia’s Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), which is conducting mapping and thermal searches in the disaster-hit region, including the last known locations of some missing Australians.
Warning: This content may be distressing for some listeners.
Disclaimer: We would like to inform you that the views expressed in this conversation are solely those of the speaker, and SBS neither endorses nor opposes these views.
Australians seeking emergency consular assistance are advised to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)'s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or from overseas on +61 2 6261 3305.
Readers seeking crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.
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This podcast has been transcribed using AI.
