Some 1,150 Australians travelling in Nepal have been found ‘safe and well’, while the death toll in the country climbs to over 4,000.
Foreign Minister, Julia Bishop, confirmed the safety of the thousand Australians this morning.
She also said the consular was providing assistance to the family of Melbourne-based Renu Fotedar, who was killed in an avalanche on Mount Everest.
Australia Renu Fotedar died in Nepal while climbing Mount Everest.
She was one of 18 climbers killed in the avalanche. Hundreds of others have been left stranded on the mountain.
“I extend my condolences to the friends and family of Ms Fotedar and we’ll continue to search for any Australians who are unaccounted for.”
Julia Bishop, Foreign Minister
The 7.8 magnitude quake hit between Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and Pokhara on Saturday.
It was followed by a 6.7 magnitude aftershock on Sunday.
Since, emergency crews have been scrambling to rescue people trapped in homes, buildings and popular tourist attractions.
With Flights Delayed Indefinitely, U.S. Citi… http://t.co/F4s5PUX5Zn via @huffpostpol | https://t.co/H76Mtoj4Ns pic.twitter.com/sLa6YrGIWa
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Flights to and from Kathmandu were disrupted on Saturday and Sunday, but resumed with delays yesterday.
Planes are filled with travellers trying to escape the natural disaster zone.
Bishop said Australians struggling to obtain a flight home should contact the Australian embassy in Nepal.
“We will have an air force plane taking humanitarian supplies over, so it can take Australians to Bangkok where they can get a commercial flight home if they’re unable to get out of Nepal.”
Julia Bishop, Foreign Minister
She said the timing and frequency of the flights will be subject to capacity constraints at Kathmandu airport and approval by the Nepalese Government.
Once details of the military flights are known, DFAT will advise of the process for Australians to register their interest. Highly vulnerable Australians will be given priority.
“I encourage Australians still in Nepal to continue to pursue all available commercial flight options to leave the country. The international airport in Kathmandu is open, although scheduled flights have been affected and there are lengthy delays.”
Julia Bishop, Foreign Minister
Meanwhile, actor Hugh Sheridan, whose younger brother was among the missing in Nepal, said yesterday in an Instagram post that he is heading Nepal to search for his sibling and provide telecommunication support for those who haven’t yet had contact family.
He said his brother was last seen a the Mount Everest base camp, where hundreds of travellers were stranded after the quake.
Rescue teams have been using three helicopters since the quake to assist the 800-odd stranded climbers.
“We have deployed three helicopters today to bring climbers down from Camp One and Two to base camp. They are safe but we need to bring them down because part of the route is damaged.”
Tulsi Gautam, Nepal Tourism Chief