A daily 5 minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Welcome to SBS News in Easy English.
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The federal government says an RAAF flight containing hygiene kits, shelter equipment and solar lights is on its way to Nepal.
More than 930 people have been confirmed dead after the devastating floods, and more than 4,400 people are missing, including 43 Australians.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong says Australia has been working with the Nepali and Chinese governments to search for those still missing, but that recovery efforts are taking place under difficult circumstances.
UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says as emergency workers continue to look at the situation on the ground, the extent of the damage and what's needed is becoming clearer.
"Some 65,000 people require emergency water, sanitation, hygiene support. More than 22,000 children need protection. 2,600 children under five are expected to need treatment for severe wasting. And around 10,500 pregnant and breastfeeding women need nutrition assistance. Nineteen schools have been damaged, nine of them completely destroyed. Eight more are being used to shelter displaced families."
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Australia says it respects the decisions of Pacific nations, after China delivered a strong warning against Taiwan at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Palau.
Beijing's special envoy for Pacific Island Countries Affairs Qian Bo said there would be "consequences" for Taiwan's strong presence at the meeting.
Beijing has since denied the comments were a threat - as it defends itself against allegations of foreign interference at the summit.
While countries including the United States and China are attending the forum as dialogue partners, Taiwan is attending as a development partner, and has sent a sizable delegation.
Palau is one of only three Pacific nations to have diplomatic relations with Taiwan, and Senator Wong says while Australia remains committed to a One China policy, it respects others have different positions.
"Well, I think the Pacific should be able to determine its own relationships. Obviously Australia has a One China policy, we have diplomatic relationships with Beijing and we maintain an economic engagement with Taiwan. There are Pacific Island countries who have a different position and we respect their right to make their sovereign decisions."
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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says global warming and security will be Australia's key areas of focus at the Pacific Islands Forum this week.
Speaking at the leaders meeting in Palau, Mr Albanese has acknowledged the direct threat climate change poses to the existence of some Pacific countries.
He says addressing trans-national crime also needs to be high on the agenda in talks this week, stressing the key role Australia plays in strengthening regional security.
"We are a leader here in the Pacific. But it's important as well that we engage respectfully, and that's something that I've always sought to do with the Pacific Islands Forum. And I think that is one of the reasons why we have really improved relations right across the Pacific, whether it be the alliance, uh, with Papua New Guinea that has now come into effect, or whether it be our 4th alliance, which is on the way with Fiji."
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