Australia news live: dozens of Australians believed to be among hundreds of foreign tourists missing in Nepal flash floods

The prime minister, Anthony Albanese , says Dfat officials are ready to provide consular assistance to Australians in Nepal, after the devastating flooding in the country.

A local tourism official said they believed 34 Australians were missing in the area, among hundreds of foreign nationals. Australian officials were not confirming numbers at this stage, and were working to check on the welfare of people they know were in the affected region.

In a statement this morning Albanese urged Australians to listen to Nepalese authorities and said the government was aware of “a number” of people in the area.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding in Nepal and Tibet, China,” he said.

double quotation mark Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities. We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare. We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators.

We stand ready to provide consular assistance.

The PM said Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).