An anxious family is holding onto hope of a “miracle” for an Australian man missing in the wake of Nepal’s flash flood disaster.
Luke Costanzo, a 30-year-old from Perth, had been on a pilgrimage trek to Mount Kailash, a sacred site in the Himalayas, and is now among 42 Australians still unaccounted for.
“Luke’s group was last in contact at the Gyirong port border crossing as they were making their way back to Kathmandu on the final day of their journey,” his family said in a statement on Tuesday.
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“This is an unimaginably difficult situation for us.
“We truly appreciate all the love and support from friends and family that we’ve received and ask everyone to keep Luke, and all those affected, in your thoughts and prayers.
“We can do nothing but continue hoping for a miracle that Luke, and the others who remain missing, are found alive and well.”
Luke Costanzo is missing after the Nepal floods. Credit: Costanzo family
Their statement came just hours after another missing Australian was found alive.
The Australian has been in contact with government officials from Tibet, it was confirmed on Tuesday.
“We’re incredibly thankful another Australian, who had been unaccounted for, has now been found,” Foreign Minister Penny Wong 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.”
School mourns death of ‘valued’ support teacher
It has been six days since a catastrophic mudslide and flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border was sparked by a glacial collapse high in the Himalayan region.
The death toll has surpassed 950 lives, including NSW man Michael Keats.
Keats was travelling to India for a spiritual retreat when the catastrophic floods struck.
“Michael was my partner and an incredibly important part of our family,” his partner Emily Boyd said in a fundraising post.
The death toll from the disaster has grown to more than 900, including Australian man Michael Keats. Credit: 7NEWS
“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.”
Moruya High School, where Keats was a support teacher, said his death “will be deeply felt by our students, staff and families”.
“Our thoughts are very much with his partner, family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” relieving principal Glenn Grimmond said.
“Michael was a valued member of our school community.”
Government ‘realistic about days ahead’
More than 4000 people remain missing, including 42 Australians.
Wollongong hiker Cara Severino was among the positive stories after she was found safe at the weekend.
“Despite this second piece of welcome news in recent days, we must remain realistic about the days ahead,” Wong said.
“The conditions facing search and recovery teams are extremely challenging.
“Communications remain difficult, infrastructure has been destroyed and many areas are still difficult to reach.
“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.”
Another Australian reported missing after the Nepal flooding has been found alive. Credit: 7NEWS
Australia’s first delivery of aid is on its way to Nepal after supplies were loaded onto a C-17 Globemaster at the Royal Australian Air Force’s Amberley base, southwest of Brisbane, on Tuesday.
“Australian officials are continuing to work closely with local authorities and partners to locate and assist those affected by the disaster,” Wong said.
“The Government will continue to do everything it can to support Australians and their families.”
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