Simon Atkinson
Australia reporter
We’ve had an update from Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong that at least 39 Australians are among those reported missing – up from the 35 we were told yesterday.
The additional four people were travelling separately to the organised tours we knew about earlier and Senator Wong says there is an “unfortunate possibility” that the number will rise.
“I know this is an extremely distressing time for those who have loved ones unaccounted for and we are thinking of them,” she tells the ABC.
Australia will send three humanitarian response specialists “within the next 48 hours” to assist Australian staff already there, Wong added in a separate statement. The country has also pledged a A$5m (£2.65m) assistance package for affected communities.
We know that among the missing Australians are two boys aged 11 and 14 who were travelling with their parents – among 15 Australians on a tour organised by Himalayan Glaciers US. That entire group of 47 is still to be accounted for.
About The Author
