Australian drone operators have arrived in Nepal to help search for those missing in the country’s disaster-stricken regions.
The 15-person specialist team landed in the capital late Friday, with additional support including victim identification specialists on the way following a request for assistance from Nepali authorities.
A glacier collapse near Nepal’s border with Tibet on August 26 triggered devastating floods across towns and valleys.
At least 36 Australians remain missing, with the federal government holding grave concerns for their welfare.
The death toll in Nepal is nearing 1300, with almost 4800 people still missing, including 601 foreign nationals, according to official figures released on Friday.
On the Tibetan side of the border, the death toll rose to 31 on Friday, an increase of 10 since the previous tally, according to Chinese state media.
It was not clear whether they were Chinese or foreign nationals. Some 531 people were reported missing, Reuters reports.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Thursday local authorities would conduct searches in areas where many Australians were believed to have been staying.
She said Australian drone operators and incident management specialists would be sent to the region along as part of a broader on-the-ground support team.
“I can indicate that after our inquiries that Nepali authorities have advised us that searches are being conducted in the locations identified by Australia, including (The Kailash Hotel) and the Royal Himalaya Hotel amongst others,” Senator Wong told reporters.
The drone technology has AI capabilities that can help find victims, along with thermal imaging to identify anyone trapped.
DFAT is working with local authorities to establish the whereabouts and welfare of affected Australians and contact next of kin where appropriate.
Nepali authorities will also be given telecommunication data to help narrow the last known location of missing Australians.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers provided the latest updated on the missing Australians on Friday, confirming that two more citizens were found safe.
It brings the number of Australians found since the catastrophic floods to seven, after five were confirmed safe on Wednesday.
Aid supplies aboard a Royal Australian Air Force plane also arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
More than 1400 hygiene kits, 2200 solar lights and phone chargers were among the items.
Australian Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national newswire and has been delivering accurate, reliable and fast news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We keep Australia informed.
