Albanese has said now is not the appropriate time to question whether the devastating flash floods impacting the Nepal-Tibet border region were caused by climate change, despite the Nepali government calling for a “global effort” to address its environmental impact.
“On Nepal, there will be time to examine the science and what has occurred here. My thoughts are solely focused at this point in time on the families and on the extraordinarily difficult time that we’re going through, and offering our support to Nepal,” Albanese told a press conference on the Pacific island of Palau.
The Nepalese army, police and ministry volunteers search Dhunge after it was impacted by the Nepal flood disaster. Kate Geraghty
“Those debates will take place, but I don’t think, from Australia’s perspective, now’s the time. My focus is very much on people who are incredibly traumatised by not knowing what has happened to their loved ones.”
Earlier in his press conference Albanese shared his support for those affected and the Nepali community in Australia. He also said that climate change would be a significant focus of the ongoing Pacific Islands Forum, which he is attending this week.