Nepal-China floods: Australian ‘safely located’ in Tibet, DFAT confirms as about 4,400 remain missing
The number of unaccounted Australians is now 42.
One of the 43 missing Australians has been located after devastating floods roared through the Nepal-China border.
A spokesperson for DFAT said officials had been in contact with the person on Tuesday, who they said was “safely located” in Tibet.
Their condition and identity have not been revealed.
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More than 950 people have now been killed across Nepal and China, while more than 4,400 remain missing, including a further 42 Australians whose whereabouts remain unknown.
It comes after another Australian, Cara Severino, made contact with her family over the weekend.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the finding of the Australian after “an incredibly harrowing few days” would bring immense relief to their family.
“We’re incredibly thankful another Australian, who had been unaccounted for, has now been found,” she said.
“It’s hard to imagine the sense of relief their loved ones must be feeling after what will have been an incredibly harrowing few days.”
“Despite this second piece of welcome news in recent days, we must remain realistic about the days ahead.”
Senator Wong said that search and recovery teams face “extremely challenging” conditions as around 4000 remain missing.
“Communications remain difficult, infrastructure has been destroyed and many areas are still difficult to reach,” she said.
“As each day passes, our grave concerns for those still unaccounted for inevitably grow.”
“Our thoughts remain firmly with all those waiting for news of family and friends, and with the search and rescue teams working in extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”
Senator Wong confirmed Australian officials would continue to work with those on the ground to help areas affected by the disaster, adding that the government would “continue to do everything it can to support Australians and their families”.
NSW man Michael Keats was the first Australian confirmed to have lost his life in Nepal’s flash flood disaster.
He was travelling to India for a spiritual retreat, according to his heartbroken family, which is now asking for support.
His partner Emily Boyd posted a grim update to her GoFundMe, confirming the worst on Monday evening.
“My partner, Michael, was tragically killed in the devastating floods in Nepal,” Ms Boyd posted.
“Michael was my partner and an incredibly important part of our family. He was also my young son’s stepfather, although he was the only father he has ever known. His loss has changed everything for both of us.”
In her crowdfunding post, Ms Boyd said she was asking for funds to travel to India with the couple’s son to engage in a spiritual ritual to honour the South Coast man.
“There’s a bittersweetness knowing that there was nothing more that Mike wanted (than) to know God, and to merge with the divine,” Ms Boyd posted to Instagram.
“He was a mystic, a medicine man, a teacher, leader, partner, father, brother, son, uncle and dearly beloved friend.”
