Summarised by Centrist
The whereabouts of five New Zealanders remain unknown after catastrophic flash floods and landslides struck the Nepal-China border region last week.
More than 750 people have been confirmed dead and more than 3,000 remain missing. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade says reports from the ground are “bleak” and that verified information may take time to emerge.
MFAT says it has no confirmed update on the five missing New Zealanders despite online reports that more people have been rescued. The ministry is withholding their names and other details for privacy reasons.
Fifteen New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel in Nepal have been contacted and confirmed safe. New Zealand police have joined the consular team in Kathmandu, which is working with hospitals, emergency services, police and tour operators.
The government has pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance. Half will go to the Nepal Red Cross Society for emergency shelter, water, sanitation and family-reconnection work. The other $1 million will be available to international organisations supporting relief and early recovery.
The flooding has devastated communities along the border and left roads, communications and other infrastructure badly damaged, slowing rescue and identification work. Authorities are also monitoring further flood risks.
MFAT has asked anyone concerned about a New Zealander in the Rasuwa region to contact its emergency consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.
Re-published from the Centrist with permission
