The status of five New Zealanders missing in Nepal following last week's deadly flash floods still remains unknown, with officials warning the situation on the ground is "bleak" as efforts to find them continue.
More than 750 had been confirmed dead, and more than 3000 people were still missing after catastrophic flash flooding and landslides tore through the Nepal-China border region last week.
Five New Zealanders were among those unaccounted for.
In an update today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the whereabouts of the five missing Kiwis remained unknown, despite reports circulating online about people being rescued following the disaster.
"There is still no new verified information on the missing New Zealanders," a spokesperson confirmed.
"This is likely to take more time to emerge. Unfortunately reports of the situation on the ground remain bleak."
The ministry said it was unable to release the names of the five missing New Zealanders or further details, due to privacy reasons.
However, it confirmed 15 New Zealanders who were registered on SafeTravel in Nepal had been contacted and confirmed safe.
In today's update, the ministry also said New Zealand had pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal in the wake of the disaster.
Toll expected to rise with more than 1400 still missing, including international tourists such as five New Zealanders. (Source: 1News)
Of that, $1 million would go to the Nepal Red Cross Society to help provide emergency shelter, water and sanitation, as well as reconnect families separated by the disaster.
Another $1 million would be made available to international humanitarian organisations providing relief and early recovery assistance.
The ministry said New Zealand officials had been deployed in Kathmandu and were continuing to work closely with local hospitals, emergency management services, police, and local tour operators.
New Zealand police had joined the ministry's consular team in the Nepalese capital, and consular staff were providing support to affected families.
Anyone concerned about New Zealanders in the Rasuwa region, along the Nepal-China border, was encouraged to contact MFAT’s emergency consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.
Climate experts have said an avalanche from a glacier likely caused Wednesday’s flash flood. (Source: 1News)
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