Australia news LIVE: More than 40 Australians remain missing in Nepal as death toll rises above 800; US strikes Iranian rocket launchers in Hormuz in first military action in weeks

Emily KaineUpdated August 31, 2026 — 7:06am,first published 6:50amKey PostsWhat you need to know todayBy Emily KaineHello and welcome back to our live coverage of national news for Monday, August 31. Here’s what is making headlines today. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed yesterday that 42 Australians were among more than 3000 people still missing in Nepal and Tibet after catastrophic flash flooding. The death toll in Nepal has risen above 800, according to Nepalese authorities, who also warned of possible fresh flooding after water levels rose in the Bhote Koshi River. Pauline Hanson said One Nation’s win in the Secret Harbour byelection in WA over the weekend should be a “warning” to Labor. “We’re coming for more of your seats”, she wrote on social media. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland will address the media later today to unveil reforms to Australia’s privacy laws. The reforms are expected to address the risks and harms associated with surveillance technology such as smart glasses.And US forces have struck Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz in the first military action in a month, a US official said. Semiofficial news outlets in Iran reported sounds of explosions near Larak Island on the strait.Nepalese soldiers assist survivors arriving at an army post in Bidur by helicopter.Kate GeraghtyLatest Posts7.06amAustralia commits additional $3 million to flood responseBy Emily KaineThe Australian government has committed an additional $3 million to humanitarian efforts on the Nepal-China border as search and recovery efforts continue after the devastating floods.It brings the total amount pledged by Australia since the floods to $8 million.A crowd gathers as workers use heavy machinery to start clearing debris from the ruins of Dhunge in Nepal, August 29.Kate GeraghtyThe government also confirmed there were 12 Australian personnel on the ground in Kathmandu, including consular officers, crisis responders and officers from the Australian Federal Police.DFAT said yesterday that 42 Australians remained missing in the region.6.50amUS forces strike Iranian rocket launchers in first military action in weeksBy US forces have struck Iranian rocket launchers on the Strait of Hormuz in the first military action in a month, a US official said.Semiofficial news outlets in Iran reported sounds of explosions near Larak Island on the strait.Vessels anchored in the Strait of Hormuz in August. Getty ImagesForces with the Revolutionary Guard Corps were observed preparing to launch rockets with sea mines into the strait, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to detail sensitive military movements.The US military last week said it had completed clearing sea mines from the strait’s international shipping routes.AP6.38amNepal death toll rises above 800 amid warnings of fresh floodingBy Dhading, Nepal: Authorities in Nepal have warned of possible fresh flooding and urged residents in flood-affected districts to remain on high alert after water levels rose in the Bhote Koshi River.Flood warning notices were sent to people’s phones early yesterday as rescue crews worked to clear a major highway connecting Kathmandu to one of the areas worst hit by Wednesday’s catastrophic floods, which killed at least 800 people and left more than 3000 missing in Nepal and Tibet.Nepal’s disaster agency said overnight that the death toll had climbed to 788 with 2502 missing, while Chinese authorities reported 16 deaths and 546 missing on the Chinese side of the border.The missing include hundreds of people from more than a dozen countries who were in the region to work, visit the mountains or make a pilgrimage to a sacred peak.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed yesterday that 42 Australians were still missing.APWhat you need to know todayBy Emily KaineHello and welcome back to our live coverage of national news for Monday, August 31. Here’s what is making headlines today. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed yesterday that 42 Australians were among more than 3000 people still missing in Nepal and Tibet after catastrophic flash flooding. The death toll in Nepal has risen above 800, according to Nepalese authorities, who also warned of possible fresh flooding after water levels rose in the Bhote Koshi River. Pauline Hanson said One Nation’s win in the Secret Harbour byelection in WA over the weekend should be a “warning” to Labor. “We’re coming for more of your seats”, she wrote on social media. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland will address the media later today to unveil reforms to Australia’s privacy laws. The reforms are expected to address the risks and harms associated with surveillance technology such as smart glasses.And US forces have struck Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz in the first military action in a month, a US official said. Semiofficial news outlets in Iran reported sounds of explosions near Larak Island on the strait.Nepalese soldiers assist survivors arriving at an army post in Bidur by helicopter.Kate Geraghty1 of 1