Additional humanitarian support for Nepal

The Australian Government is deploying a further $3 million in humanitarian assistance, the second tranche of our ongoing support for response and recovery following the devastating floods along the Nepal-China border.

42 Australians remain unaccounted for. The Australian Government continues to do everything we can to confirm their welfare and support their loved ones.

This is an extremely anxious time for their families and loved ones. They are understandably desperate for news, and our thoughts are very much with them.

There are now 12 Australian response team personnel – including crisis response, consular officers and Australian Federal Police – in Kathmandu to support the crisis response, in addition to staff already there.

The extraordinary scale of this disaster, conditions on the ground and the remoteness of the affected region means there are immense challenges for rescue and recovery efforts.

Communities in affected areas face heightened risks following the floods, while damage to roads and bridges has complicated the delivery of emergency assistance.

The Government of Nepal has requested emergency supplies including hygiene kits and solar lighting solutions.

Australia's additional assistance includes $2 million to provide these supplies and other humanitarian support, to be delivered by the Australian Defence Force.

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) will transport the first of these supplies from Queensland in the coming days.

There has been an overwhelming response from the Australian people to the Emergency Action Alliance (EAA) appeal, which has reached $1.4 million in donations from the public alone.

In response, the Australian Government will provide a further $1 million to the EAA appeal, bringing our contribution to $2 million.

Funds are supporting Australian NGO partners to work with local organisations who are leading recovery and rehabilitation efforts in affected areas.

Australians wishing to donate should visit the Emergency Action Alliance webpage.

Today’s additional funding package brings the Australian Government’s humanitarian support for this disaster to $8 million.

We continue to engage with the Government of Nepal and expect to provide additional support.