Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese held a telephone conversation on Friday morning, discussing Nepal’s response to a devastating flood and the search for Australians reported missing after the disaster.

During the 10am call, Shah said the discussion was particularly important as Nepal faced a difficult situation following the flooding.

Shah thanked the Australian government and people for their solidarity following the devastating flood on August 26 in the Bhotekoshi river in Rasuwa district, which caused loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and property.

He also expressed appreciation for Australia’s support for rescue and relief efforts, including the deployment of a team of specialist drone operators, essential relief supplies and financial assistance.

Shah said Nepal was stepping up efforts to locate Australian nationals reported missing after the disaster. He also stressed the longstanding close ties between Nepal and Australia and said the two countries would continue to coordinate on search, rescue, relief and reconstruction efforts.

Albanese expressed concern over the difficulties Nepal was facing following the disaster, according to the Nepali government.