MELBOURNE, 28 August 2026: The Albanese Government has announced a $5 million humanitarian assistance package for communities affected by catastrophic flash floods along the Nepal–China border, alongside expanded consular support as at least 39 Australians remain missing.abc.
The floods, triggered by a glacial collapse, have devastated villages on both sides of the border, destroying homes and critical infrastructure and leaving thousands displaced. With roads and bridges washed out, many communities remain cut off, complicating rescue and relief efforts.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is deploying additional personnel to support Australians on the ground. In addition to staff at the Australian Embassy in Kathmandu, a Crisis Response Team member and a Regional Consular Officer have arrived, with further surge capacity being prepared.
Within the next 48 hours, an initial team of three humanitarian response specialists from the Australia Assists program will deploy to bolster existing Australian staff in Nepal. The Rapid Response Team brings expertise in humanitarian assessment, logistics, communications and planning.
The $5 million package will be delivered through established partners to fund urgent disaster response and early recovery, including food, emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation, the government said in a media release.
Australia’s assistance includes:
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$2 million to the World Food Programme, which has already dispatched food rations and is providing logistics support for Nepal’s emergency response.
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$2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to deliver emergency shelter, hygiene kits, blankets, medical care and psychosocial support.
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$1 million to the Emergency Action Alliance to support locally led recovery and rehabilitation in affected areas.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia was sending crisis and humanitarian response specialists to assist in the aftermath of the devastating Nepal–China floods, and providing humanitarian aid including food, emergency shelter and medical support.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those affected as we urgently work to confirm the welfare of missing Australians,” he said.
Australians needing emergency consular assistance should contact DFAT’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas.
