Second Missing Australian Found Alive Following Flood Disaster on Nepal-Tibet Border
The second Australian missing in the flood disaster on the Nepal-Tibet border has been located alive in Tibet and has made contact with authorities.
It has been announced that the second Australian citizen known to be missing in the devastating flood disaster on the Nepal-Tibet border was found alive in Tibet and has spoken with their family. The total death toll from the disaster in the region continues to rise.
Second Australian Rescued Alive
The second Australian citizen, who was thought to be missing in the flood disaster that struck the Nepal-Tibet border last week, has been determined to be safe. The individual in question made contact with DFAT officials from Tibet on Tuesday.
Supported by Australian consular officials, the individual has reportedly also spoken with their family. Previously, another Australian, 25-year-old Cara Severino, was found safe last week.
Government Statement and Missing Persons Status
Foreign Minister Penny Wong expressed immense gratitude for the citizen being found, stating that the relief experienced by their loved ones is unimaginable. The Department of Foreign Affairs did not share further details regarding the individual due to privacy obligations.
While it is reported that 42 people are still missing in the region, the total number of missing persons and the search efforts maintain their gravity.
Rising Death Toll and Search Operations
With 16 more people losing their lives in Tibet during the floods of ice, rock, mud, and debris that occurred last Wednesday, the total death toll rose to 939. More than 4,400 people are still reported missing.
Minister Wong emphasized the need to be realistic for the upcoming days, noting that communication is difficult, infrastructure has been destroyed, and many areas remain inaccessible.
International Support and Field Teams
The Australian government sent an $8 million aid package for the affected communities in Nepal and the Tibet region of China. Search and rescue operations continue intensively in the region.
While Nepal has deployed approximately 20,000 security personnel to support search and rescue efforts, Chinese state media reported that 2,141 emergency personnel are on the ground.