Kathmandu, August 28
The Australian government has announced humanitarian assistance worth 5 million Australian dollars for those affected by the Rasuwa flood.
Australia stated on Friday that the funds will go toward immediate rescue, relief, and recovery efforts in the flood-affected areas.
According to the Australian government, at least 39 Australian nationals have been reported missing in the flood. The statement notes that Australian officials are working actively to confirm their status and provide necessary support to those affected.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has mobilised additional staff to assist affected Australian citizens. Along with embassy staff in Nepal, a member of the Crisis Response Team and a regional consular officer have been deployed to Kathmandu, with further regional and crisis-response staff expected to follow.
Australia says an initial team of three humanitarian experts will be sent to Nepal within the next 48 hours. Coordinating with Australian personnel already in Kathmandu, they will assist with assessing the humanitarian situation, management, communications, and relief planning. The team will be deployed under Australia’s “Australia Assists” program and will include specialists in humanitarian aid and disaster management.
Where will the funding go?
The $5 million will be channelled through established partner organisations to cover essential needs including food, emergency shelter, clean drinking water, and sanitation. 2 million will go to the World Food Programme (WFP), which Australia says has already begun providing emergency food and logistics support in Nepal. 2 million will be provided to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, funding emergency shelter, sanitation supplies, blankets, medical treatment, and psychosocial support. 1 million will go through the Emergency Action Alliance to support locally led recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Australia noted that many communities remain cut off due to damaged roads and bridges, making access difficult, and said immediate humanitarian assistance is urgently needed.
