CANBERRA, September 3, 2026 — Australia is deploying specialist drone operators to Nepal to support search and rescue operations following catastrophic floods that have caused widespread destruction and left communities struggling to access affected areas.
The team, which includes personnel from Fire and Rescue New South Wales and the Queensland Fire Department, will travel to Nepal in the coming days as part of a 15-person Disaster Assistance Response Team.
The specialists will use advanced drone technology to provide rapid aerial mapping and imaging, helping Nepali authorities identify affected areas and support ongoing search operations.
The deployment follows a formal request from the Government of Nepal after Australia offered additional assistance.
The latest team will join 19 Australian personnel already deployed to support the crisis response, including consular and humanitarian officials, Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force personnel.
38 Australians Remain Unaccounted For
Australia said 38 Australian nationals remain unaccounted for following the disaster.
Australian officials are working with authorities in Nepal and China to establish their whereabouts and assist their families.
Search and recovery operations remain extremely difficult, with damaged infrastructure, disrupted communications and limited access to many affected areas creating major challenges for emergency teams.
The Australian Government said it remains focused on confirming the welfare of those still unaccounted for and supporting their relatives and loved ones.
Australia Expands Humanitarian Assistance
The disaster has also triggered a significant public response in Australia.
More than $4 million has been donated by Australians to the Emergency Action Alliance, supporting humanitarian and recovery operations in Nepal.
In response, the Australian Government will provide an additional $3 million to match public donations.
The new funding will support the provision of emergency shelter, clean water, sanitation and healthcare, while also helping establish temporary learning spaces for children affected by the floods.
The additional contribution brings Australia's total humanitarian support package for Nepal to $11 million.
The Australian Government said it remains prepared to provide further search, rescue and recovery assistance if requested by Nepal.
The deployment reflects Australia's broader effort to support Nepal as emergency teams continue searching devastated communities and working to reach people affected by the catastrophic flooding.
Courtesy: Australian Government / Foreign Minister
