Nepal-Tibet floods live updates: 34 Australians including two boys remain missing and death toll rises

A western Sydney couple, Venkatraman Balakrishnan and Chitra Venkatraman, among the 34 Australians missing in the Nepalese floods, according to the ABC.

The husband and wife were part of a tour group including 15 Australians who are now missing in the floods.

The broadcaster spole to the couple’s son, who said he had last communicated with his parents when they were near the Nepalese border with Tibet.

The two Australian boys who are missing, aged 11 and 14, were also part of the tour group.

A man from North Brisbane is also among the Australians unaccounted for in the flooding.

The man is a member of the Non-Resident Nepali Association of Australia, according to the group’s treasurere Sambhu Gaishe.

A Reuters video shows floodwaters destroying a Himalayan village in Nepal.

The village appears to be located in a valley, and is quickly submerged by the flood as it travels downhill.

Authorities say up to 1,500 people are missing in Nepal and Tibet, according to reports.

Approximately 800 of the missing people are foreign nationals, which include at least 34 Australians.

Police and rescuers expect the death toll, which is currently sitting at 165, to rise.

Warning: Distressing footage

Video on social media shows people scrambling to higher ground as a wave of flooding hits the Nepalese town of Betrawati, about 80 kilometres north of Kathmandu.

Footage also shows a bridge being swept away in Nepal.

A massive torrent of water, mud and debris suddenly surged through Nepal’s mountainous Rasuwa region and areas near the border with Tibet on Wednesday.

Footage captured the fast-moving floodwaters tearing through the Himalayan valley, destroying roads, bridges, buildings and other critical infrastructure in its path.

Initial reports suggested a glacial lake may have burst in the mountains above, a phenomenon that has become an increasing concern across the Himalayas.

However, researchers examining satellite and seismic data now believe a collapsing glacier is the more likely explanation.

Satellite imagery appears to show a large section of glacier breaking away before falling about 1200 to 1300 metres into the valley below.

During that enormous fall, scientists believe the ice, rock and other debris would have broken apart before crashing into the valley.

Read more.

Chinese officials say 558 people remain missing after mudslides on the Tibet side.

Chinese state media Xinhua News Agency reported that 260 of those were believed to be foreign nationals.

During the press conference in Tibet, officials said three people had died and two were rescued.

Police in Nepal have reported that at least 162 have been killed by flash floods.

Tour group Kailash Journey says six of its missing travellers are Australians.

This is in addition to one missing Australian using Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travels, and 15 from US-based tour group Himalayan Glacier Adventures.

In total, at least 34 Australians are missing in the region.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has confirmed at least 34 Australians are among those missing following the catastrophic floods in Nepal and Tibet, revealing they were travelling in separate pilgrimage and tour groups.

Senator Wong said the Government’s priority was establishing their whereabouts and welfare, with Australian officials in Nepal and China urgently working with local authorities and tour operators.

“Access and information are limited given the scale of the disaster,” she said, adding the Government would contact loved ones as soon as confirmed information became available.

Australia is now deploying additional DFAT personnel, including crisis-response staff, to the region.

Senator Wong said she had spoken directly with Australia’s ambassadors in Nepal and Beijing and asked them to do “everything they are able to do to ascertain the whereabouts and welfare of any Australians”.

Australia is also coordinating with the Nepalese Government, United Nations and Red Cross on the humanitarian response.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong is expected to speak shortly as grave fears grow for dozens of Australians missing after catastrophic flash floods tore through Nepal and neighbouring Tibet.

The Government has confirmed 34 Australians are missing, with officials “urgently working” to establish their welfare as search and rescue efforts continue across the devastated region.

Senator Wong has already described the loss of life and destruction as “devastating”, saying her thoughts were with the loved ones of those killed or missing.

Mr Albanese confirmed 34 Australians were missing in total and officials were urgently working to establish their welfare.

“We’ve seen some of the footage, which is a truly horrific event. At this point, there are 34 Australians who are missing”, he told the Bush Summit in Dubbo.

Earlier on Wednesday morning, Mr Albanese released a statement extending his sympathies to all those involved.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China,” Mr Albanese said.

“Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities.

“We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare. We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators.

“We stand ready to provide consular assistance.”