Travel warning: Australians urged to avoid Nepal flood zones as 34 remain missing

Australians in Nepal are being warned to avoid flood-ravaged areas and reconsider their movements as authorities desperately search for people missing after catastrophic flash flooding devastated communities near the Nepal-China border.

Smartraveller advice has been updated following the August 26 disaster in Rasuwa District, where major flash flooding and a mudslide caused widespread destruction to roads, transport links and critical infrastructure.

The warning comes as Nepal Tourism Board figures indicate 34 Australians are among hundreds of foreign nationals reported missing.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Australian officials were urgently trying to establish their welfare.

“The loss of life and destruction caused by flash flooding in Nepal and China is devastating. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of those killed or missing and all affected by this disaster,” Senator Wong said.

“DFAT officials are urgently working to confirm the welfare of Australians in the area.”

Smartraveller continues to advise Australians to “exercise a high degree of caution” and to stay away from the areas affected by the latest disaster.

“On 26 August, major flash flooding and a mudslide in Rasuwa District and the Nepal-China border has caused significant damage. Roads, transport and infrastructure are significantly damaged. There have been a number of deaths and injuries reported. Avoid flood affected areas. Monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities,” the updated advice states.

The warning is particularly significant for tourists planning to travel through the mountainous Rasuwa region, where transport routes and infrastructure have been badly damaged.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Nepal delegation head David Fisher said entire communities had been devastated.

“These floods have been devastating. Nepal Red Cross teams are on site providing shelter, food and water.”

IFRC chief executive Jagan Chapagain announced almost $1.73 million in emergency funding to bolster the Nepal Red Cross response.

“The scale of destruction is severe: homes swept away, roads and bridges damaged, and critical infrastructure disrupted. The humanitarian impacts are significant and still unfolding,” he said.

“My thoughts, solidarity, and full support are with all those affected, and with the volunteers responding under extremely challenging conditions.”