Australia Deploys Aid and Search Teams to Nepal Floods

The Australian government has deployed a 12-person response team to Kathmandu and pledged millions in aid following devastating floods in Nepal. The response includes a recent $3 million allocation for solar lights and hygiene kits to be delivered by the defense force. Foreign Minister Penny Wong noted that extensive devastation and difficult terrain have hindered efforts to locate 43 missing Australians, including members of the Iyer family who were on a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash.

In Melbourne, hundreds gathered at Federation Square for a vigil to honor the victims. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll attended the event and announced a $100,000 donation from the Victorian government to support search operations.

On the ground in Nepal, the Emergency Action Alliance and Save the Children Australia are managing large-scale relief operations. These efforts are currently focused on search and rescue, food distribution, and reuniting displaced children with their families.