Himal Press 
This combo photo shows Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal (left) and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.
KATHMANDU: The Australian government has announced a $5 million humanitarian assistance package for communities affected by the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border.
Issuing a statement, the Australian foreign ministry said at least 39 Australians are among those reported missing in the disaster. Australian officials are working to confirm their whereabouts and provide assistance to those affected, it added.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has deployed additional personnel to support Australians affected by the disaster. Besides staff at the Australian Embassy in Nepal, a Crisis Response Team member and a Regional Consular Officer are already in Kathmandu,” it added. “Additional regional and crisis response personnel are also being prepared for deployment.”
According to the statement, the humanitarian assistance will support urgent disaster response and recovery efforts through established partners. It will include food, emergency shelter, clean water and sanitation.
Of the total assistance, $2 million will go to the World Food Programme, while another $2 million will be provided to Australian NGOs through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership for emergency shelter, hygiene kits, blankets, medical and psychosocial support. The remaining $1 million will be provided to the Emergency Action Alliance to support locally led recovery and rehabilitation efforts in the affected areas, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has expressed the Australian government’s deep sorrow over the loss of life caused by the disaster. In a telephone conversation with her Nepali counterpart Shisir Khanal on Friday, she said Australia was ready to provide all possible assistance to Nepal in its difficult circumstances.
In response, Foreign Minister Khanal thanked the Australian government and people for their solidarity and support. He expressed gratitude for the goodwill and assistance shown by Australia at this time of crisis.
