On 26 August, devastating flash flooding and landslides occurred in the Nepal-China border area. This event caused significant damage and a high number of casualties. Many people remain unaccounted for. Roads, transport networks and other infrastructure have been severely affected. Due to the scale of the disaster, access to some parts of the affected areas is limited. 

Consular response

Australian officials are working urgently with authorities, tour operators and international partners to locate and confirm the welfare of Australians who may have been in the affected area. We are in regular contact with next of kin and are providing consular support and information as it becomes available. A dedicated and highly experienced case officer has been assigned to each next of kin, alongside an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Family Liaison Officer (FILO), to ensure families receive ongoing support and information.

A Family Support Hub has also been established in Kathmandu to assist families affected by the disaster, supported by DFAT, Services Australia and other Australian Government Agencies.

Additional crisis response experts have deployed to Nepal to support the crisis response, post operations and bolster humanitarian capabilities. They join staff already supporting the response from Canberra, New Delhi, Beijing and Kathmandu. This includes specialist capabilities from across Australian and State Governments, consular officers, Australian Federal Police Disaster Victim Identification (DVI) specialists, National Emergency Management Agency and Defence personnel, and specialist drone operators.

Smartraveller and travel advice

The latest travel advice for Nepal and China is available on the Smartraveller website.

We have also launched a Smartraveller Crisis Alert for the Nepal and China floods and landslides. This alert includes safety information, travel advice updates, and information on the Australian Government's response.

Australians in the affected areas, planning to travel to the region or concerned family members or friends are encouraged to subscribe to receive updates on the situation as it evolves.

DFAT continues to keep all Smartraveller travel advisories under close review, including regularly and carefully assessing the risks to Australians overseas. 

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre:

• +61 2 6261 3305 (overseas)
• 1300 555 135 (in Australia).

Australia's humanitarian assistance for Nepal

Australia is providing $11 million in humanitarian assistance to support urgent disaster response and recovery efforts in Nepal. This includes:

• $5 million to the Emergency Action Alliance public appeal. Funds will support locally-led recovery efforts in affected areas.
• $2 million to the World Food Programme, which has already dispatched food rations and provided logistics support for Nepal’s emergency response.
• $2 million to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to provide emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services, essential household items, protection and psychosocial support.
• $2 million for supplies, logistics and other requests, including 23.9 tonnes of humanitarian supplies.

Australians have shown extraordinary generosity, donating over $15 million to appeals by the Emergency Action Alliance, Red Cross and other major Australian NGOs.

Australia deployed almost 50 officials and technical specialists to support search, rescue and recovery efforts, including humanitarian advisers and four Rapid Response Team members through the Australia Assists program. The advisers brought expertise in disaster response, logistics, communications, and operational planning, strengthening the effectiveness of our support to affected communities.

In response to the Government of Nepal’s request for assistance, Australia also deployed a specialist 15-person Disaster Assistance Response Team with drone experts from Fire and Rescue New South Wales and the Queensland Fire Department. The team worked with Nepal’s disaster management authorities to assist search operations.

On 2 September, an ADF C-17 delivered 440 hygiene kits, 576 menstrual hygiene management kits, 2,200 household solar lights and phone chargers, 432 shelter tool kits, 864 tarpaulins, and 5 community light tower kits with generators.

Australia is also supporting the response through our annual funding to humanitarian partners.

The UN Central Emergency Response Fund (UNCERF) has allocated USD2 million to Nepal. Australia is a long-standing and significant donor to the CERF, providing $11 million annually.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has allocated CHF1 million ($1.7 million) from its Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) to provide immediate lifesaving assistance. Australia has provided more than $6 million to the DREF since 2025.

How you can help

The Australian Government is supporting the Emergency Action Alliance Appeal. Australians wishing to contribute can find further information on Nepal-Tibet Flood Disaster - Emergency Action Alliance.

Unfortunately, managing donations of goods often increases the burden on local relief authorities and creates costs for affected countries in transport, warehousing, and distribution. For more information please visit Overseas Emergencies & Responsible Donating.

Media releases, speeches and statements

9 September 2026: Federation Chamber speech delivered by The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.

7 September 2026: Nepal Condolence motion delivered by Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs in the Australian Senate.

3 September 2026: Australia deploys drone specialists as part of expanded Nepal response | Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs Joint media release with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs, and The Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

30 August 2026: Additional humanitarian support for Nepal | Defence Ministers Joint media release with The Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.

28 August 2026: Australia’s response to Nepal-China floods Joint media release with Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs, and The Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for Small Business, International Development and Multicultural Affairs.

Caption: Members of the Australian Government Crisis Response Team respond to the impact of flash floods in northern Nepal in August 2026, supporting the delivery of emergency assistance to affected communities.