IN BRIEF
- A 15-person Australian disaster response team is expected to arrive in Kathmandu today.
- Authorities estimate around 20,000 homes will need rebuilding in safer locations, according to Reuters.
Two more Australians who were unaccounted for in the Nepal-Tibet flash floods have been confirmed safe.
The number of Australians missing has now been revised to 36, down from 38.
SBS News understands the two citizens were uncontactable but have since been confirmed safe and do not require consular assistance.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the news would be a "huge relief" for their loved ones, but the government held serious concerns for those who remain unaccounted for.
"Good news that two Australians have been located overnight. We are concerned for the 36 who are still unaccounted for," he told ABC News Breakfast.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
Chalmers said Australia was "sending some of its best people" to assist with search-and-rescue efforts.
Australia has deployed 19 officials and disaster response specialists to Nepal, with a further 23 to be deployed in the coming days.
A 15-person Australian Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) is expected to arrive in Kathmandu on Friday, while Australian Federal Police (AFP) disaster victim identification specialists are expected to touch down over the weekend.
The AFP has allocated a family investigative liaison officer to provide support, information and guidance to families of the Australians who remain unaccounted for.
That includes assisting families with identification requirements, such as collecting DNA from family members.
The Australian government has committed $11 million to support disaster response and recovery efforts.
As of Thursday, the Nepali government reported 1,259 confirmed deaths and 5,083 people missing, including 583 foreign nationals.
The Chinese government reported 21 confirmed deaths and 541 people missing.
The scale of the destruction is also becoming clearer, with authorities estimating around 20,000 homes will need to be rebuilt in safer locations, according to Reuters.
Dharma Raj Upreti, chief of Nepal's disaster response authority, told Reuters preliminary estimates showed 7,500 houses had been completely destroyed, either washed away or buried under debris and mud.
Upreti said even houses still standing were not habitable.
For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.
