Kathmandu, September 7
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has expressed deep sorrow over the devastation caused by the catastrophic floods in Nepal and the Tibet border region of China, saying Nepal is not alone in this hour of disaster.
Addressing the Australian parliament, he confirmed that 36 of the country’s citizens remain unaccounted for after the floods.
“We are hoping for a miracle”
Prime Minister Albanese said that although the floods triggered by the August 26 landslide caused massive destruction on both sides of the border, Nepal bore the brunt of the damage.
“Many have lost loved ones, homes, entire villages, and their livelihoods. With each passing day, the hope of finding those missing grows more like a miracle,” Albanese told parliament. “Thirty-six of our Australian citizens are still missing. The attention of the entire Australian people is right now focused on their families and friends.”
As Nepal observes a national day of mourning today, Prime Minister Albanese also expressed sympathy for those affected through social media.
In his parliamentary address, he said that last Friday he spoke by phone with Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and conveyed Australia’s deep condolences.
“As Nepal observes national mourning today, I want to tell our Nepali friends, you are not alone in bearing the burden of this grief,” he said.
Praise for community coordination and support
Albanese said the Australian government has been in continuous coordination with the Nepali, Tibetan, and Indian communities in the country. He also urged all Australians not to lose hope, and to keep the affected in their prayers.
Praising the generosity and support shown by the Australian public in the emergency relief appeal for disaster relief, he said, “It sends a powerful message that we can face even the greatest disaster together, united by a shared sense of humanity.”
