{"id":81627,"date":"2026-08-27T13:40:21","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T13:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/81627\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T13:40:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T13:40:21","slug":"fresh-warning-after-flood-kills-at-least-359","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/81627\/","title":{"rendered":"Fresh warning after flood kills at least 359"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Relatives of a Sydney family who were last known to be in the Tibet-Nepal border region hit by a devastating flash flood have made an emotional plea to help locate them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">At least 35 Australians &#8211; including six different families &#8211; are unaccounted for since the Rasuwa flood on Wednesday morning local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">About 10pm AEST Thursday, media on the ground in Nepal reported the official death toll had reached 359. Nepal Police have set up an official &#8220;unidentified and unclaimed bodies&#8221; webpage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">About the same time, at last light in Nepal, the Nepalese disaster management agency warned a lake forming in the wake of the flood looked like it could burst.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Residents of the lower coastal area of the Bhotekoshi River, rescuers and all involved are requested to take special caution and stay in a safe place (away) from the river bank and dangerous areas,&#8221; the warning said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Nepalese agency said the warning was sparked by Chinese satellite images and &#8220;preliminary analysis&#8221; of the area.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a previous update from Nepal&#8217;s disaster management agency, there were 826 people officially unaccounted for, including 85 Nepali police and soldiers, and 579 tourists.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">People recorded as &#8220;injured&#8221; tally 73, but those figures are only listed as coming from three regions while the deaths are being counted in eight regions.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">About 6.30pm AEST Thursday, the Nepalese agency published lists of rescued citizens of India, Korea, China, the US and Italy. There did not appear to be any such Australian list. There were only two names on the US and Italian lists, eight Chinese citizens and four Koreans.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Members of the Iyer family from Sydney were last known to be in Kathmandu before the flood. Picture: Facebook\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"541\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/34e678ea61325359119bb2ba4dc432b9.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Members of the Iyer family from Sydney were last known to be in Kathmandu before the flood. Picture: Facebook<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The government has mobilised 7451 police and soldiers, sent 10 trucks with food, sleeping bags and mattresses into areas which can be reached, as well as an unspecified number of &#8220;communications sets&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Multiple rescues have been carried out with helicopters and the Indian government is sending prefabricated truss bridges &#8211; Bailey bridges &#8211; to the areas where bridges have been destroyed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a Facebook post, family friend Nisha Khadka said Sridharan Iyer, Roopa Sridhar, Rudhra Sreedharan Iyer and Rishabh Sridharan Iyer were last known to be in Kathmandu before the natural disaster.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Rudhra Iyer was a member of a West Pennant Hills cricket club. Picture: West Pennant hill Cherry Brook Cricket Club.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1025\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/18f79164f6ae875797cf14180e1df24b.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rudhra Iyer was a member of a West Pennant Hills cricket club. Picture: West Pennant hill Cherry Brook Cricket Club.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"His brother Rishabh Iyer is also missing after the flood in Nepal. Picture: IndianLink\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1023\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/5951b71c6de69f2ebebfc505ea01fb7b.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>His brother Rishabh Iyer is also missing after the flood in Nepal. Picture: IndianLink<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She said they were urgently trying to locate them.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;They were **last known to be in Kathmandu** before the flood,&#8221; Ms Khadka posted.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;If anyone has seen them, has any information about their whereabouts, or has found them safe, please contact me as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Please share this post widely so it can reach anyone who may have information.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Speaking to NewsWire, Ross Anderson from the West Pennant Hills Cherrybrook Cricket Club confirmed Rudhra and Rishabh were in Nepal as part of a tour group at the time the flash flood struck.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;At this stage we remain hopeful that they are safe and well and just can&#8217;t be contacted,&#8221; Mr Anderson said, adding the pair were &#8220;talented high grade cricketers and valued long term members&#8221; of the club.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Until we hear something official from the family or government, we remain positive that they will be safe.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;Praying and hoping&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Mental Health Foundation chief executive Vasan Srinivasan said the Iyer family was part of a group of 15 who travelled to Nepal from India 10 days ago on pilgrimage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The 69-year-old said the Sydney and Melbourne families were linked through Australia Bharatha Brahmin Samaj (ABBS) and the mental health foundation.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Mr Srinivasan told NewsWire he had been unable to reach the group since midnight.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">His nephew is currently in Nepal helping track the group down.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Very, very difficult time since we are all well connected family group for years and we are praying and hoping to speak with them soon,&#8221; Mr Srinivasan said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;They have gone for a good cause, on a spiritual and religious tour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;I hope that there is a positive outcome at the end of it.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Candlelight vigil held for missing<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Members of Sydney&#8217;s Nepalese community gathered for a candlelight vigil on Thursday night in the suburb of Rockdale.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;So many people lost their lives. Condolences for them as well,&#8221; the organiser told 7News.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;This moment is so sad for us, for every Nepalese person, because so many people is (not able) to contact.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Australia&#8217;s ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, speaking from Nepal said anyone in the area should contact the Australian consular assistance hotline.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;On behalf of the Australian Embassy in Nepal and the government and people of Australia, I extend our deepest sympathies to those affected by the significant flooding here in Nepal,&#8221; he said in a video message.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Screen recordings of surveillance camera footage posted on Chinese social media platforms, reportedly show destruction caused as flash flooding hits the Gyirong Port in the Tibet Autonomous Region on August 26. Picture: AFP\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/9041d66e7b9a5718e985668e87f8ec0a.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Screen recordings of surveillance camera footage posted on Chinese social media platforms, reportedly show destruction caused as flash flooding hits the Gyirong Port in the Tibet Autonomous Region on August 26. Picture: AFP<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted. We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and we are urgently working to confirm their welfare.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Australians in the affected area should follow the advice of local authorities. The embassy stands ready to provide consular assistance,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Independent ACT senator David Pocock said there were close cultural ties between the two countries.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;There are thousands of Canberrans who have family and friends in Nepal and I know so many are worried, waiting for word from loved ones,&#8221; he said in a statement.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;You are not alone and Canberrans have you in our thoughts. If you&#8217;re worried about family or friends caught up in the floods, please get in touch with my office and we&#8217;ll do what we can to help you find the right support.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;One of her dreams to fulfil&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Queensland woman Kanagamah Sundrasan is among the unaccounted for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The mother of two was on the pilgrimage to Mount Kailash. Her daughter told the ABC she last heard from her mother on Tuesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;It&#8217;s a very sacred spot, so it was one of her dreams to fulfil,&#8221; Swaatika Kanniah told the ABC.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Kanagamah Sundrasan'a family in Queensland cannot contact the mother of two.\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"768\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/83155707d00d2251722ece99b4f4fcab.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Kanagamah Sundrasan&#8217;a family in Queensland cannot contact the mother of two.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;According to her itinerary, today was supposed to be the day she was getting there, basically.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;She doesn&#8217;t really go on trips like this. That&#8217;s why it was very exciting for her to travel and do this thing that she always wanted to do,&#8221; Ms Kanniah said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Ms Kanniah described her mother as &#8220;very giving&#8221; and &#8220;the kindest woman ever&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;It&#8217;s been a bit worrying because we haven&#8217;t been able to contact her yet. It&#8217;s been really hard to grab a hold of anyone who has any information,&#8221; Ms Kanniah said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We really want her to come back home and we miss her, like, a lot.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Reports of survivors being rescued<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">One hundred missing Indian nationals and 25 missing Chinese citizens have been rescued, the Reuters news agency reports on Thursday evening Australian time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In the early hours of Thursday Australian time, the Indian Air Force detailed its efforts to help get supplies in and survivors out.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A spokesperson for the Indian Air Force said a Super Hercules transport plane was being loaded with 10 tonnes of supplies.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"the Indian Air Force says it will fly more supplies into Nepal. Picture: X\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1025\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/5e0d7fba95b58ed7be3575f29ee6f765.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>the Indian Air Force says it will fly more supplies into Nepal. Picture: X<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"At least one Indian supply flight delivered food on Thursday. Picture: X\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/21e5e12f68c04a6b153b484aa519b26b.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>At least one Indian supply flight delivered food on Thursday. Picture: X<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Images from the Air Force show the plane being loaded with orange buckets, boxes, and what appears to be a generator.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Air Force also said heavy transport C-17 Globemasters will be used in the efforts, as will C-130 Hercules planes, which can land and takeoff on rough, unprepared ground.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Additional air effort by C-17 and C-130 aircraft will transport further relief supplies, with helicopters earmarked for rescue and evacuation operations,&#8221; the spokesperson said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;Shocked at the size and scale&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The general secretary of Nepal&#8217;s main opposition party tells the ABC he is shocked at the scale of the destruction.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Udaya Rana told the ABC at least 32 large and small bridges have been destroyed and 16 hydropower stations were damaged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Sixteen hydropower projects have been damaged. Some of them, unfortunately, were just being built, so there were workers inside the hydro tunnels,&#8221; he told the ABC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Roads have been completely damaged, private houses, hospitals.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The damages are really, really big and we are going to need a lot of help.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Authorities were not prepared for such powerful damage, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;It&#8217;s just mind boggling.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The size, just (the) scale of it, is really, really scary. It&#8217;s something we never calculated.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The popular trekking area has been hardest hit.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The Shyaphrubesi village and Trishuli River have been inundated. Picture: Planet Labs PBC \/ AFP\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"650\" height=\"1000\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/0302e4a4d61702f4589883322cf992ec.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Shyaphrubesi village and Trishuli River have been inundated. Picture: Planet Labs PBC \/ AFP<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The border area is in a gorge, so the amount of water that came in, I mean, it swept everything that was in the path,&#8221; Mr Rana said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;This was a very beautiful area of the country. A lot of people go trekking there.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Survivors cannot be taken out by road and supplies cannot be driven in.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The road leading up to that area has been completely destroyed. Only way we can get there is by helicopter.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;And even for the helicopter to land, it&#8217;s difficult, because the terrain is very hilly and mountainous.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;Want them back in one piece&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A western Sydney couple are among 15 Australians on an international tour group which is unaccounted for.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Chitra Venkatraman, 46, and her husband Venkatraman Balakrishnan, 52, were on a religious hiking trip organised by US-based Himalayan Glacier.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Chitra Venkatraman is unaccounted for after the Nepal flood. Picture: Supplied \/ ABC\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/845d5267e5cd6eb5ae3cd2b6d7d480a7.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Chitra Venkatraman is unaccounted for after the Nepal flood. Picture: Supplied \/ ABC<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Her husband Venkatraman Balakrishnan also cannot be reached by family in Sydney. Picture: Supplied \/ ABC\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/ac3a639d37ffe91136b0c76a80f07d29.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Her husband Venkatraman Balakrishnan also cannot be reached by family in Sydney. Picture: Supplied \/ ABC<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Their son has told the ABC he last spoke with his parents when they were about 15km from the Tibet border.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;I&#8217;d like to see my parents and everyone who went with them back in one piece, and that everyone else there is as safe as possible,&#8221; he told the ABC.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">ABBS vice president Brindha Venkat, a business owner from Glen Waverley in Melbourne, has issued a desperate plea for news on her relative, Rakesh Shivaprasad Nayaka.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The 39-year-old mechanical engineer from Wantirna South is among the 34 missing Australians.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">In a terrifying detail, Mr Nayaka was logged at a Nepal immigration office at 9.05am \u2013 just minutes before the flash flood struck at 9.15am.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">No one has heard from him since.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Rakesh Shivaprasad Nayaka is suspected missing after the Nepal flash flood. Picture: Supplied\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"541\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/be14775b364cef6d4dd5d01078d2fb42.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Rakesh Shivaprasad Nayaka is suspected missing after the Nepal flash flood. Picture: Supplied<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Desperate search for any information<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A Sydney doctor is urgently trying to find any information on his friends and patients missing in Nepal since devastating floods inundated areas on the Tibet border.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Sydney man Manoj Dharmaratnam said the tour group his friends were with had informed him a hotel they were staying at had been swept away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dr Dharmaratnam tells Indian-Australian news outlet Indian Link that the group had been planning their religious hiking expedition for up to three months.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;They are very, very distraught,&#8221; Dr Dharmaratnam said of family members in Australia trying to find out what has happened.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Four members of the Iyer family, from the northern Sydney suburb of Cherrybrook, are missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dr Dharmaratnam confirmed Sreedharan Iyer, 53, Lakshmi Sreedharan Iyer, 50, and their 24 and 21-year-old sons are unaccounted for. Rudra, 21, and Rishabh, 24, were both medical students, one at Western Sydney University and the other at Newcastle University, he told Indian Link.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Group of missing Indian-Australian travellers, suspected missing after the floods in Nepal. Picture: IndianLink\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"541\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/1ba3f8e50b12bca38e91131b999a8780.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Group of missing Indian-Australian travellers, suspected missing after the floods in Nepal. Picture: IndianLink<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Calls and messages from family members in Australia cannot be connected, as the infrastructure in the region has largely been destroyed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Information shared with NewsWire shows the Iyers were four of 15 people travelling with the US-based tour company Himalayan Glacier Adventures.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Iyers travelled to the region with the friends Venkataraman Balakrishnan, 53, and Chitra Venkatraman, 46.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Four members of the Muralitharan family &#8211; brothers Ashwin and Aarush Muralitharan, aged 11 and 14, and their parents Shylaja and Chandrasekaran &#8211; are on the Himalayan Glacier Adventures group list.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Aarush and Ashwin Muralitharan (pictured) are among the Australians missing in the Nepal floods. Their parents Chandrasekaran and Shylaja Muralitharan are also missing. Picture: ACA\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/af1efe6e4dd10185b79ffedb0e57173f.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Aarush and Ashwin Muralitharan (pictured) are among the Australians missing in the Nepal floods. Their parents Chandrasekaran and Shylaja Muralitharan are also missing. Picture: ACA<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Husband and wife Krishna and Umesh Sharma. Picture: ACA\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/1c409bb446252c56394386e268a5a279.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Husband and wife Krishna and Umesh Sharma. Picture: ACA<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;At least&#8217; 34 Aussies missing<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">At least 34 Australians, including two boys aged 11 and 14 and their parents, are among the hundreds missing after flash flooding tore through parts of the mountainous border region dividing Nepal and Tibet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;To date we understand that at least 34 Australians are among those missing,&#8221; Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in a midday update on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We understand these Australians were part of a separate pilgrimage and tour groups.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;I am not in a position to provide any further details at this stage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The government&#8217;s priorities are to confirm the whereabouts and of these Australians and (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) officials in Nepal and China are seeking to do that.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The situation is a difficult one, obviously.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"International efforts to rescue survivors are underway. AFP \/ Handout \/ Nepali Army\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/06d9362072c5851555b168a8673da426.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>International efforts to rescue survivors are underway. AFP \/ Handout \/ Nepali Army<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"PENNY WONG\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/bd4563a354ad201a2f7db0a82347dfc6.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Foreign Minister Penny Wong says &#8216;at least 34 Australians&#8217; are missing. Picture: NewsWire \/ Emma Brasier<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A US tour company has confirmed it had lost contact with one of its tour groups that included 15 Australians, including the boys aged 11 and 14. The oldest Aussie in the group was 64.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The flooding began on Wednesday morning (local time) at the Bhote Koshi River on the Tibetan side following a suspected avalanche, with footage capturing entire villages swept away.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The official death toll was at 160 on Thursday morning, with 826 \u2013 including 600 foreigners \u2013 missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Senator Wong said she had tasked ambassadors in Nepal and China to &#8220;do everything they are able to do to ascertain the whereabouts and welfare of any Australians and invited them to contact me if they need further assistance&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Footage shows a wall of water, mud and debris sweeping away structures and people trying to flee. Picture: AFP\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/9b12934974e4ae05b458db53d0b72c5b.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Footage shows a wall of water, mud and debris sweeping away structures and people trying to flee. Picture: AFP<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are currently deploying further DFAT personnel including crisis response to the area and I have asked DFAT to ensure we do provide the support needed to these posts, particularly in Nepal,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The department will continue to engage with local authorities and tour operators.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Senator Wong added that she understood people are &#8220;very concerned about friends or family who may be in the region&#8221;, but stressed &#8220;access and information are limited given the scale of the disaster&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We will do our best to ascertain whatever information we can,&#8221; she said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Anthony Albanese earlier confirmed that 34 Australians were missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Nepal is a developing country \u2013 it doesn&#8217;t have the resources that an event like that would have in Australia. So information is difficult,&#8221; the Prime Minister told News Corp Australia&#8217;s Bush Summit in Dubbo, NSW.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Our thoughts are with all those who will be concerned about their loved ones today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8216;Cascading disaster&#8217;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The home village of Swinburne University structural engineer, Prashidha Khatiwada, sits on the Trishuli River and has been devastated by the flood.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Dr Khatiwada said climate change, earthquakes, landslides and floods could no longer be looked at as independent disasters.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Nature does not separate these hazards: one event can trigger another and create a much larger cascading disaster.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Nepal needs better multi-hazard mapping, monitoring and early-warning systems, stronger land-use planning and infrastructure designed with these changing hazards in mind.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Communities also need to know what warnings mean and how to respond. Nepal needs development, but if we rebuild without understanding why this event became so destructive, we risk rebuilding the same vulnerabilities,&#8221; Dr Khatiwada said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">His home village, Siddhalek, has been cut off as bridges connecting it to the highway were destroyed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Several bridges connecting our side of the river to the highway on the opposite side have been destroyed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;These bridges were not simply pieces of infrastructure; they connected communities to schools, markets, services and the rest of the country.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Students travel across the river to attend school, so when these bridges disappear, the impact continues long after the floodwater recedes. You don&#8217;t just lose a bridge, you lose part of the everyday connection between communities.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">15 Australians on missing tour<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">US-based tour company Himalayan Glacier Adventures said earlier it had lost contact with 15 Australians on one of its tours in Nepal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We have 15 Australians going on the Kailash tour with HG and all of them are currently unaccounted for,&#8221; a spokesman said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Our office team lost contact with the trip leaders around 8.30am yesterday local time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Since then we have not heard from them or any of the guests yet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Our CEO with a small team flew there, right after they were notified, to assess and aid but there were not permitted to land due to the ground situation.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Kailash tour is a 14-day pilgrimage route from Kathmandu to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The Nepal Tourism Board confirmed one Australian registered with local agency Kathmandu Holiday Tours &amp; Travel was missing.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"The official death toll is at 160. Picture: AFP\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/47e86e0443a1f2114ceb36f4ec5257ad.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The official death toll is at 160. Picture: AFP<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Intrepid Travel, which specialises in holidays to Nepal, said on all their travel customers and team members were safe.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Of the 26 itineraries it operates in Nepal, just two pass through the affected region and neither of those trips were operating at the time of the flooding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are deeply saddened by the catastrophic flooding in Nepal that has impacted Timure, Rasuwagadhi, Syabrubesi and communities along the Trishuli River corridor,&#8221; Intrepid Nepal general manager Yalamber Rai said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;The scale of the disaster is devastating, with significant loss of life and reports of many people still missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Beyond the tragic loss of life, this disaster is expected to have lasting impacts on livelihoods, trade, tourism, local businesses and critical infrastructure across the affected region.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Local emergency workers are among the hundreds unaccounted for. Picture: AFP \/ Handout \/ Armed Police Force of Nepal\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"540\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/347ae3b54a5ba115107c5a792af3892b.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Local emergency workers are among the hundreds unaccounted for. Picture: AFP \/ Handout \/ Armed Police Force of Nepal<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Another local tour agency running a pilgrimage group said 77 foreign nationals and 15 Nepali citizens had been reported missing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are making every possible effort to reach the missing individuals through available communication channels,&#8221; The Trekkers Society said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A spokesman from travel company World Expeditions said all its clients and staff travelling in Nepal were &#8220;safe and accounted for&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are continuing to monitor the situation very closely with our local ground operators and authorities,&#8221; the spokesman said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Most Australians travelling to Nepal to trek or climb in the Everest region would not normally pass through the area directly affected by this particular event.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;That being said, Nepal is a mountainous country and extreme weather can have wider impacts on roads, bridges, communications and access, so we are keeping a very close watch on conditions across the country.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Imagery released by the Nepali Army shows a soldier carrying a mud-covered man through floodwaters. Picture: AFP \/ Handout \/ Nepali Army\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/f44263b0fe2fa5c63771c23a6c5821d2.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Imagery released by the Nepali Army shows a soldier carrying a mud-covered man through floodwaters. Picture: AFP \/ Handout \/ Nepali Army<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">A DFAT spokesperson urged Australians in the affected area to &#8220;follow the advice of local authorities&#8221;.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are aware of a number of Australians in the area and Australian officials are urgently working to confirm their welfare,&#8221; they said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are liaising with local authorities as well as tour operators. We stand ready to provide consular assistance.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade&#8217;s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Tourists registered<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Nepali charge d&#8217;affaires Tara Gautam said all tourists entering protected areas in the region were registered for safety, with authorities recording when they arrive, the reason for their travel and when they return.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">She also said it was a distressing time for the 300,000-strong Nepali diaspora in Australia.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;They have their loved ones, their relatives in Nepal,&#8221; Ms Gautam told ABC&#8217;s Radio National.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Several countries have issued statements expressing solidarity with those impacted by the floods.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We are deeply saddened by the devastating flooding in Rasuwa and Nuwakot districts and surrounding areas,&#8221; an official statement from Australia, Britain, the European Union, Finland, France, Norway and Switzerland read.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Our thoughts are with all those affected by this disaster. We express our solidarity with the people of Nepal during this difficult time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;We encourage all those in affected areas to follow the guidance of local authorities and official safety advisories as the situation continues to evolve.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"A satellite shows an aerial view of the Shyaphrubesi village and Trishuli River after the massive flood. Picture: AFP \/ Planet Labs\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"960\" height=\"720\" decoding=\"async\" data-nimg=\"1\" class=\"rounded-lg\" style=\"color:transparent\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/https:\/\/media.zenfs.com\/en\/nca_newswire_424\/2b9a4418c66f8939bb752a049f57fe0d.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A satellite shows an aerial view of the Shyaphrubesi village and Trishuli River after the massive flood. Picture: AFP \/ Planet Labs<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Avalanche likely cause<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development in Nepal said the flash flood was likely caused by an avalanche from a glacier, sending ice and rock into the rapidly rising river and blocking its path, leading to an enormous surge downstream.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">&#8220;Hydrological observations indicate the exceptional speed and magnitude of the flood wave,&#8221; a spokesman told The Australian.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Video shows the moment the streets were engulfed in thick sheets of mud and water as the flood water flattened parts of the town.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Footage from the flooding revealed the horrific devastation it has caused to the towns along the Nepal-Tibetan border, with hundreds of people being pulled from the mud, floodwaters and wreckage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-4 text-lg md:leading-8 break-words\">Buildings have ben inundated with mud and water, with vehicles and trees submerged as authorities desperately try to save those trapped.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Relatives of a Sydney family who were last known to be in the Tibet-Nepal border region hit by&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":81628,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[7458,129100,128582,15340,129099,128640,129101,128652,128575,128655,247],"class_list":["post-81627","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sydney","tag-australians","tag-flash-flood","tag-lakshmi-sreedharan-iyer","tag-nepal","tag-nepal-police","tag-rishabh-sridharan-iyer","tag-rudhra-iyer","tag-rudhra-sreedharan-iyer","tag-sreedharan-iyer","tag-sridharan-iyer","tag-sydney"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81627","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81627"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81627\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81628"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81627"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81627"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81627"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}