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Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong has confirmed the number of Australians missing in the devastating Nepal floods has increased overnight from 35 to 39.

In a statement, Wong said the government was “rapidly mobilising consular and humanitarian support in response to the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border, including through a $5 million assistance package for affected communities.”

We understand at least 39 Australians are among those reported missing. Australian officials are working urgently to confirm their welfare and provide assistance to those affected.

She said the government would send an initial team of three humanitarian response specialists “within the next 48 hours'” to help Australian staff already on the ground.

The extraordinary scale of this disaster and the remoteness of the affected region mean immense challenges lie ahead for the response and recovery.