An Australian feared missing after catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border has been safely located in Tibet, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has confirmed.
Officials made contact with the person on Tuesday and notified their family, who are receiving consular support. Their identity and condition have not been disclosed.
The development leaves 42 Australians still unaccounted for as rescue teams struggle to reach isolated areas devastated by floodwater, mud and debris.
More than 950 people have died across Nepal and China, while over 4,400 remain missing. Communications have been disrupted, roads and bridges destroyed, and access to some of the worst-hit locations remains severely limited.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the latest news would bring “immense relief” to the Australian’s family after several agonising days.
“We’re incredibly thankful another Australian, who had been unaccounted for, has now been found,” Senator Wong said.
She said the government had to remain realistic about the prospects for those still missing, warning that search and recovery teams were working in “extremely challenging” conditions.
“As each day passes, our grave concerns for those still unaccounted for inevitably grow,” she said. “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.”
The Australian Government has deployed additional personnel to Nepal and is providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the disaster. Senator Wong said Australia’s overall support had risen to $8 million, with an RAAF aircraft due to deliver hygiene kits, shelter supplies and solar equipment.
The newly located Australian is the second person in recent days to make contact with relatives after being listed as missing. Cara Severino, from New South Wales, reached her family over the weekend after being caught in the disaster while travelling through the region.
The floods followed a glacial collapse high in the Himalayas, sending rock, ice and meltwater into valleys along the border. The resulting surge swept away homes, buildings, roads and bridges, leaving communities cut off and hundreds of workers feared trapped at hydroelectric sites.
Separately, the family of New South Wales man Michael Keats said he was killed in the flooding while travelling to India for a spiritual retreat. His partner, Emily Boyd, said his death had “changed everything” for her and her young son, who regarded Mr Keats as his father.
