Nepal flooding: 35 Australians missing after catastrophic flood tore through Himalayas, more than 162 dead

Grave fears are mounting for 35 Australians missing in Nepal after catastrophic flooding and landslides tore through the Himalayan border region, killing more than 250 people.

Frantic searches for survivors are continuing for at least 1500 people known to be missing, including hundreds of tourists in the area to take part in a sacred pilgrimage.

There has been no confirmation of West Australians caught in the tragedy as the names of missing Australians began being revealed on Thursday afternoon, with most from the eastern states.

Nepal’s police confirmed on Thursday afternoon the death toll had risen to 270, 66 people were in hospital and at least 1500 remained missing — including an 11-year-old and 14-year-old from the same Australian family.

It is already the deadliest disaster to hit Nepal since the 2015 earthquake that killed almost 9000 people.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the immediate priority for the Australian Government was finding the missing Australians.

“The loss of life and the scale of the destruction is devastating,” Ms Wong said.

“We understand these Australians are part of separate pilgrimage and tour groups.

“I think it is well known that people are not only going there for trekking but also for spiritual reasons, so you would anticipate that the foreign nationals who were in the region would have been there for a variety of those reasons.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with those who have lost loved ones and those whose loved ones are missing and to all affected by this disaster.”

Tour group Kailash Journey has confirmed six Australians are among their missing travel group. That is in addition to one missing Australian travelling with Kathmandu Holiday Tours and Travels, and 15 who were travelling with US-based tour group Himalayan Glacier Adventures.