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Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Thursday that at least 34 Australians are missing following catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet, reiterating an earlier statement from the prime minister. Wong said the Australians were traveling with separate tour and pilgrimage groups and that the government’s priority is confirming their whereabouts and welfare.

Wong said she has spoken with Australia’s ambassadors to Nepal and China and that additional Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) personnel, including crisis response experts, are being deployed to the region. She cautioned the confirmed figure could rise, noting it currently reflects only travelers registered with official tour operators.

Access to the disaster zone remains limited due to its remote, mountainous terrain and flood damage to roads, officials said. Nepal has not formally requested assistance from Australia, though Wong said Canberra is prepared to help if asked. The government is coordinating with Nepalese authorities, the United Nations and the Red Cross on the humanitarian response.

Australians in Nepal or China seeking consular assistance can contact DFAT’s 24-hour emergency centre at 1300 555 135 domestically or +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

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